96-17991. Environmental Analysis of Army Actions  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 141 (Monday, July 22, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 37865-37875]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-17991]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
    
    Department of the Army
    
    32 CFR Part 651
    
    
    Environmental Analysis of Army Actions
    
    AGENCY: Department of the Army; Defense.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise Army Regulation 200-2, which 
    is the Army's implementing regulation for the National Environmental 
    Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Major changes are an expanded list of 
    categorical exclusions, clear separation of the Comprehensive 
    Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and 
    NEPA, and delegation of authority to approve environmental impact 
    statements (EIS).
    
    DATES: To be given full consideration, comments must be received no 
    later than August 21, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to: Headquarters, Department 
    of the Army, ATTN: DAIM-ED (Mr. Timothy Julius), 600 Army Pentagon, 
    Washington, DC 20310-0600.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy P. Julius, (703) 693-0543.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposed regulation establishes 
    policies and responsibilities for assessing the effects of Army 
    actions. It supplements Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) 
    regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR 
    parts 1500-1508). The last major revision to this regulation was in 
    December 1988. Since that time, initiatives such as the National 
    Performance Review have tended to streamline the Federal Government 
    through decentralization, reduction and simplification of regulations, 
    and management of risk. This revision strives to meet the spirit of the 
    National Performance Review, and Executive Order (EO) 12861, 
    Elimination of One-Half of Executive Branch Internal Regulations, dated 
    September 11, 1993. This proposed regulation incorporates emerging 
    issues such as Environmental Justice (EO 12898, Federal Actions to 
    Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
    Populations, dated February 11, 1994) and Community Right-to-Know (EO 
    12856, Federal Compliance with Right-to-Know Laws and Pollution 
    Prevention Requirements, dated August 3, 1993). The list of categorical 
    exclusions has been expanded to include a more comprehensive array of 
    actions routinely performed by the Army which have minimal or no 
    individual or cumulative effect on environmental quality. This is 
    intended to better focus on actions that warrant the expenditure of 
    time and resources for analysis and formal documentation. The authority 
    to approve environmental impact statements has been delegated to 
    Commanders of Major Commands (primarily for Installations), and Program 
    Executive Officers and Commanders of Major Subordinate Commands with 
    Milestone Decision Authority (for acquisition and development 
    programs). The purpose of delegation of approval authority for EISs is 
    to empower the officials who are responsible for accomplishing the 
    work. This empowerment will compel the decision makers to take more 
    complete ownership of their actions, and makes the NEPA process an 
    integral, rational part of Army decision making processes. CERCLA and 
    NEPA are clearly separated in recognition of the Department of 
    Justice's opinion with regard to the application of NEPA to CERCLA 
    cleanups, and to eliminate potential duplication of effort. Procedural 
    Requirements: This regulation does not involve the collection of 
    information and is therefore not subject to the provisions of the 
    Paperwork Reduction Act. This rule contains no policies that have 
    Federalism implications under EO 12612, Federalism, dated October 26, 
    1987. This proposed rule is not a major rule pursuant to EO 12291, 
    Federal Regulation, dated February 17, 1981, therefore a Regulatory 
    Flexibility Analysis is not require(d) This is not a significant 
    regulatory action pursuant to EO 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 
    dated September 30, 1993. This regulation meets the standards of Sec. 
    2(b)(2) of EO 12778, Civil Justice Reform, dated October 23, 1991.
    
    List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 651
    
        Environmental impact statement, Environmental protection, Natural 
    resources.
    
    
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    The Proposal
    
        Accordingly, it is proposed to revise 32 CFR part 651 to read as 
    follows:
    
    PART 651-ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ARMY ACTIONS (AR 200-2)
    
    Sec.
    
    Subpart A--Introduction
    
    651.1  Applicability.
    651.2  Purpose.
    651.3  Definitions.
    651.4  Responsibilities.
    651.5  Policies.
    
    Subpart B-National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the 
    Decision Processes
    
    651.6  Introduction.
    651.7  Actions Requiring Evaluation.
    651.8  Exemptions, Exceptions, and Emergency Procedures.
    651.9  Integration with Army Planning.
    651.10  Classified Actions.
    
    Subpart C-Required Records and Documents
    
    651.11  Environmental Assessment (EA).
    651.12  Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
    651.13  Notice of Intent (NOI).
    651.14  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
    651.15  Record of Decision (ROD).
    651.16  Notice of Availability (NOA).
    651.17  Notice of Availability of Weekly Receipts of EISs (NWR).
    651.18  Record of Environmental Consideration (REC).
    
    Part D--Categorical Exclusions (CXs)
    
    651.19  General.
    651.20  Determining when to use a CX.
    651.21  List of Categorical Exclusions (CXs).
    
    Part E--Environmental Assessment (EAs)
    
    651.22  Conditions and Actions Normally Requiring an EA.
    651.23  EA Format.
    651.24  Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
    651.25  Review and Approval of EAs and FONSIs.
    651.26  Public Involvement.
    651.27  Mitigation and Implementation Plan.
    
    Part F--Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
    
    651.28  Introduction.
    651.29  Conditions Requiring an EIS.
    651.30  Actions Normally Requiring an EIS.
    651.31  EIS Format.
    651.32  Approval Authority.
    651.33  Notice of Intent (NOI).
    651.34  Scoping.
    651.35  Preparation and Processing of the Draft Environment Impact 
    Statement (DEIS).
    651.36  Public Review of the DEIS.
    651.37  Preparation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement 
    (FEIS).
    651.38  Decision.
    651.39  Supplemental EISs (SEISs).
    651.40  The Army as a Cooperating Agency.
    
        Authority: National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 
    U.S.C. 4321 et seq. Council on Environmental Quality Regulations, 40 
    CFR part 1500-1508, 43 FR 55978-56007, November 29, 1978, as amended 
    at 51 FR 15625, April 25, 1986, and Executive Orders 11988, 11990, 
    12114, 12856, 12898.
    
    Subpart A--Introduction
    
    
    Sec. 651.1  Applicability.
    
        This regulation applies to pertinent functions of the Active Army 
    and Army Reserve, to functions of the Army National Guard (ARNG) 
    involving Federal funding, and to functions for which the Army is the 
    DoD executive agent. It does not apply to Civil Works functions. This 
    regulation applies to relevant actions within the United States, which 
    is defined as all States, the District of Columbia, territories, and 
    possessions of the United States; and all waters and airspace subject 
    to the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The territories 
    and possessions of the United States include the Virgin Islands, 
    American Samoa, Wake Island, Midway Island, Guam, Palmyra Island, 
    Johnston Atoll, Navassa Island, and Kingman Reef. This regulation also 
    applies to actions in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth 
    of the Northern Marianas, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
    
    
    Sec. 651.2  Purpose.
    
        (a) Environmental Analysis of Army Actions is the Army's 
    implementing regulation for the National Environmental Policy Act of 
    1969 (NEPA). This regulation sets forth the Army's policies and 
    responsibilities for the early integration of environmental 
    considerations into Army planning and decision making processes.
        (b) This regulation establishes criteria to determine which Army 
    actions normally require preparation of an Environmental Assessment 
    (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and lists Army actions 
    that are categorically excluded from the requirements to prepare an EA 
    or EIS.
        (c) This regulation supplements the Code of Federal Regulations (40 
    CFR parts 1500-1508), and must be read in conjunction with it.
    
    
    Sec. 651.3  Definitions.
    
        (a) Proponent. The proponent is the Army office, DoD or non-DoD 
    Federal agency, state or local agency, organization, or individual that 
    proposes an action requiring Army approval.
        (b) Decision maker. The decision maker is the Army official who has 
    the primary authority to approve NEPA documents, make decisions, and 
    commit government resources to a course of action.
        (c) Program, Product, and Project Managers. Managers of Acquisition 
    Categories (ACAT) I, II, III, & IV programs as defined by Department of 
    Defense Instruction (DoDI) 5000.2.
        (d) Major Decision Point. Review points in the development of a 
    project/program at which decisions are made whether to proceed. For the 
    acquisition process, these would be the major milestones as defined in 
    DoD Instruction 5000.2.
    
    
    Sec. 651.4  Responsibilities.
    
        (a) The Secretary of the Army (SA) has designated the Assistant 
    Secretary of the Army (Installations, Logistics and Environment) 
    (ASA(IL&E)) as the Army's responsible official for NEPA matters.
        (b) The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research, Development, and 
    Acquisition) will:
        (1) In conjunction with the Assistant Secretary of the Army 
    (Installations, Logistics, and Environment), manage the environmental 
    compliance of materiel systems.
        (2) Develop and implement a process to prepare, review, approve, 
    and catalog NEPA documents for the acquisition and development of Army 
    materiel.
        (c) The Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans (DCSOPS) 
    will assign proponent responsibilities as required when multiple MACOM 
    or Headquarters offices are involved in a proposal.
        (d) The Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management 
    (ACSIM) is responsible for coordinating and monitoring NEPA activities 
    within the Army. The Environmental Programs Directorate is the Army 
    Staff (ARSTAF) point of contact (POC) for environmental matters.
        (e) The Director of Environmental Programs will--
        (1) Assist Army agencies in completing environmental analysis and 
    documentation.
        (2) Review, as requested, environmental documents submitted by 
    Army, other DoD components, and other Federal agencies.
        (3) Monitor proposed Army policy and program documents that have 
    environmental implications to determine compliance with NEPA 
    requirements and to ensure integration of environmental considerations 
    into the decision making process.
        (4) Maintain liaison with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, 
    Office of Management and Budget, Council on
    
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    Environmental Quality (CEQ), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and 
    other Federal, state, and local agencies on environmental policies that 
    may affect the Army. This liaison assists in identifying and evaluating 
    applicable regulatory policies for proposed actions.
        (f) The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management) will 
    develop requirements for environmental budget exhibits and displays of 
    data in support of annual authorization and appropriation requests.
        (g) The General Counsel (GC) provides legal advice to the Secretary 
    of the Army on all environmental matters, to include interpretation and 
    compliance with NEPA and implementing regulations.
        (h) The Judge Advocate General (TJAG) will provide legal advice and 
    assistance in interpretation of NEPA and Federal implementing 
    regulations, and other applicable statutes.
        (i) The Surgeon General will review, as requested, the health and 
    welfare aspects of proposals.
        (j) The Chief of Public Affairs will:
        (1) Provide guidance on issuing public announcements such as 
    Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI), Notices of Intent (NOI), 
    scoping procedures, Notices of Availability (NOA), and other public 
    involvement activities.
        (2) Review and coordinate planned announcements on actions of 
    national interest with appropriate ARSTAF elements and the Assistant 
    Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (OASD (PA)).
        (3) Assist in the issuance of appropriate press releases to 
    coincide with the publication of notices in the Federal Register.
        (k) The Chief of Legislative Liaison will notify members of 
    Congress of impending proposed actions of national concern or interest. 
    The Chief will--
        (1) Provide guidance on issuing congressional notifications on 
    actions of national concern or interest.
        (2) Review planned congressional notifications on actions of 
    national concern or interest.
        (3) Prior to and in concert with the issuance of press releases and 
    publications in the Federal Register, assist in the issuance of 
    congressional notifications on actions of national concern or interest.
        (l) Commanders of Major Army Commands (MACOM), the Chief, National 
    Guard Bureau, and the U.S. Army Reserve Commander will--
        (1) Monitor proposed actions and programs within their commands to 
    ensure compliance with this regulation.
        (2) Task the appropriate proponent with funding and preparation of 
    NEPA documents and development of public involvement activities.
        (3) Ensure that the proponent initiates the preparation of 
    necessary environmental documentation and assesses the environmental 
    consequences of proposed programs and projects early in the planning 
    process.
        (4) Assist in the review of environmental documents prepared by DoD 
    and other Army or Federal agencies, as requested.
        (5) Establish and maintain the capability (personnel and other 
    resources) to comply with the requirements of this regulation.
        (6) Maintain official record copies of all environmental documents 
    for which they are the staff proponent.
        (7) Provide coordination with HQDA for proposed actions of national 
    interest.
        (8) Approve environmental impact statements and associated 
    documents (NOI, NOA, ROD) for actions under their purview.
        (9) Office of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau is responsible 
    for approving all Federal environmental documents prepared by all Army 
    National Guard activities.
        (m) Major Subordinate Commands, Installations (Base Operations 
    (BASEOPS) Army Reserve Command (ARCOM), activity (facility), unit (non-
    BASEOPS Major U.S. Army Reserve Command (MUSARC) commanders and The 
    Adjutants General (TAG) will:
        (1) Monitor proposed actions and programs within their commands to 
    ensure compliance with this regulation.
        (2) Task the appropriate proponent with funding and preparation of 
    NEPA documents and development of public involvement activities.
        (3) Ensure that the proponent initiates the preparation of 
    necessary environmental documentation and assesses the environmental 
    consequences of proposed programs and projects early in the planning 
    process.
        (4) Assist in the review of environmental documents prepared by DoD 
    and other Army or Federal agencies, as requested.
        (5) Establish and maintain the capability (personnel and other 
    resources) to comply with the requirements of this regulation.
        (6) Maintain official record copies of all environmental documents 
    for which they are the staff proponent.
        (7) Provide coordination for proposed actions of national interest.
        (8) Approve environmental documents for actions under their purview 
    (does not include TAG).
        (n) The Army Acquisition Executive (AAE) will:
        (1) Administer acquisition programs to ensure compliance with all 
    applicable environmental laws, executive orders, and regulations.
        (2) Ensure that life cycle environmental costs are an integral part 
    of system life cycle cost estimates.
        (o) Program Executive Officers (PEO) and direct-reporting PMs will:
        (1) Supervise assigned programs, projects, and products to ensure 
    that they comply with all applicable environmental laws, executive 
    orders, and regulations.
        (2) Ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into 
    assigned systems planning process and systems engineering process.
        (3) Approve environmental impact statements and associated 
    documents (NOI, NOA, ROD) for actions under their purview.
        (p) Program, Project, and Product Managers will:
        (1) Manage compliance with all applicable environmental laws, 
    executive orders, and regulations for assigned programs, projects, and 
    products.
        (2) Integrate environmental considerations into the systems 
    planning process and systems engineering process.
        (3) Apply policies and procedures set forth in this regulation to 
    programs and actions within their organizations and staff 
    responsibility.
        (4) Initiate the preparation of environmental documentation and 
    assess the environmental consequences of proposed programs and 
    projects.
        (5) Establish and maintain the capability (personnel and other 
    resources) to comply with the requirements of this regulation.
        (6) Prepare and maintain the official record copy of all 
    environmental documents for which they are the proponent.
        (q) Proponents at all levels will:
        (1) Ensure that NEPA documents are prepared and staffed to the 
    satisfaction of the decision maker.
        (2) Ensure accuracy and adequacy of environmental impact analyses 
    and documents regardless of the author.
        (3) Adequately fund and implement the decision.
    
    
    Sec. 651.5  Policies
    
        (a) DA policy is to balance military mission activities, including 
    materials and industrial processes, with the capabilities of the 
    installations and surrounding communities. Decision makers will be 
    cognizant of the impact of their decisions upon the environment, and 
    will reduce undue and unnecessary adverse impacts to the extent 
    feasible.
        (b) When appropriate, environmental documentation to consider 
    operations
    
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    security principles and procedures described in AR 530-1 will be 
    reviewed and documented on the cover sheet or signature page.
        (c) Environmental analyses and associated investigations are 
    advanced project planning, and will be funded from other than military 
    construction (MILCON) funds. Operations and Maintenance/Operation and 
    Maintenance, ARNG (OMA/OMAR), Research, Development, Test, and 
    Evaluation (RDTE) or other operating funds are the proper sources of 
    funds for analysis and documentation. Alternative funds will be 
    identified for environmental documentation, monitoring, and other 
    required studies as part of the MILCON approval process.
        (d) Costs of design and construction mitigation measures required 
    as a direct result of MILCON projects will be paid from MILCON funds if 
    included in the cost estimate and description of work on DD Form 1391.
        (e) Ongoing Army activities require an environmental analysis when 
    significant new circumstances warrant consideration of changing the 
    activity. For example, the listing of a new species as endangered may 
    indicate, per consultation under the Endangered Species Act, the 
    modification of a training regime or major modification of an existing 
    weapons system.
        (f) Environmental analyses will reflect due consideration of non-
    statutory environmental issues implemented by Federal and DoD plans and 
    standards. Potential issues will be discussed and critically evaluated 
    during scoping and other public involvement processes. Some examples 
    are the issues articulated in Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to 
    Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
    Populations; and Executive Order 12856, Federal Compliance with Right-
    to-Know Laws and Pollution Prevention Requirements.
        (g) Consideration of the environment for decisions involving 
    activities outside the United States (see Applicability) will be 
    accomplished pursuant to Executive Order No. 12114, host country final 
    governing standards, and DoD Directives and Instructions.
    
    Subpart B--The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and 
    Decision Processes
    
    
    Sec. 651.6  Introduction.
    
        (a) NEPA establishes broad Federal policies and goals for the 
    protection of the environment. Section 102(2) contains procedural 
    requirements directed toward the attainment of such goals.
        (b) The NEPA process is the systematic examination of probable 
    environmental consequences of implementing a proposed action and 
    reasonable alternatives. To be effective, integration of the NEPA 
    process with other Army project planning will occur at the earliest 
    possible time to ensure that:
        (1) Planning and decision making reflect environmental values.
        (2) Policies listed in paragraph 1-5 are implemented.
        (3) Delays and potential conflicts in the process are minimized.
        (4) Evaluation of environmental effects, values and issues is in 
    sufficient detail for consideration concurrently with economic, 
    technical, and mission-related analyses. When EISs are undertaken, the 
    economic and social impacts will be included in the analysis of total 
    environmental impacts. However, economic and social impacts alone 
    (i.e., without accompanying natural or physical impacts) do not 
    necessitate the preparation of an environmental document for an Army 
    action.
    
    
    Sec. 651.7  Actions requiring evaluation.
    
        The general types of proposed actions to evaluate for environmental 
    impact include:
        (a) Management and operational concepts and programs, including 
    such areas as logistics, research, development, test and evaluation, 
    procurement, and real property and facility management.
        (b) Projects, including facilities construction, research and 
    development for weapons, vehicles, and other equipment or activities.
        (c) Operations, including individual and unit training, flight 
    operations, overall operation of installation, or facility test and 
    evaluation programs.
        (d) Licenses for operations or special material use, including 
    Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license, an Army radiation 
    authorization, or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Space 
    request.
        (e) Materiel development, acquisition, and/or transition.
        (f) Research and development, including such areas as genetic 
    engineering, laser testing, and electromagnetic pulse generation.
        (g) Actions supported through Federal contracts, grants, subsidies, 
    loans, or other forms of funding such as Government Owned-Contractor 
    Operated (GOCO) industrial plants and construction of family housing 
    via third party contracting (Section 801/802 Housing, Military 
    Appropriations Act of 1984).
        (h) Leases, easements, permits, licenses, certificates, or other 
    entitlement for use.
        (i) Environmental Remediation/Restoration projects not addressed in 
    paragraph 2-3(b) below.
    
    
    Sec. 651.8  Exemptions, exceptions, and emergency procedures.
    
        (a) Exemption by Law. The law must apply to DoD and/or Army and 
    must prohibit, exempt, or make impossible full compliance with the 
    procedures of NEPA (40 CFR 1500.6).
        (b) Environmental Remediation/Restoration projects implemented in 
    accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, 
    and Liability Act (CERCLA) shall not be assessed under NEPA.
        (c) Emergencies.
        (1) In the event of an emergency, the Army may be required to take 
    immediate actions that have environmental impacts. These immediate 
    actions are necessary to promote national defense or security, or to 
    protect life or property. In such cases, the HQDA proponent will notify 
    the Environmental Programs Directorate, which in turn will notify the 
    Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Logistics and 
    Environment (ASA (I,L&E)), who will coordinate with the Deputy Under 
    Secretary of Defense (Environmental Security) (DUSD(ES)) and CEQ 
    regarding actions necessary to control the immediate effects of the 
    emergency. In no event will the Army delay an emergency action 
    necessary for national defense, security, or preservation of human life 
    or property to comply with this regulation or the CEQ Regulations. 
    Call-ups of the ARNG during state emergencies are state actions 
    excluded from the requirements of this regulation.
        (2) These notifications and consultations apply only to actions 
    necessary to control immediate effects of the emergency; other actions 
    remain subject to NEPA review (40 CFR 1506.11).
    
    
    Sec. 651.9  Integration with Army Planning.
    
        (a) Environmental considerations will be integrated into the Army's 
    decision making processes to ensure that:
        (1) The planning process identifies major decision points for 
    principal programs and proposals that are likely to have an effect on 
    the environment.
        (2) Decision makers are informed of and consider the environmental 
    consequences at the same time as other factors such as mission 
    requirements and cost.
    
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        (3) Environmental documents accompany the proposal through the 
    existing Army review and decision making processes. The Army will 
    integrate NEPA requirements with other planning and environmental 
    review procedures.
        (4) The alternatives considered in the decision are within the 
    range of alternatives analyzed in relevant environmental documents.
        (b) Proponents are responsible for providing funds for NEPA 
    documentation, and for implementation of decisions including 
    mitigations (regardless of the level of NEPA analysis).
        (c) The Army acquisition community will integrate environmental 
    analyses into its decision making process and will further ensure that 
    appropriate environmental life cycle costs become an integral part of 
    total program cost estimates and budgets. PEOs, and Program, Product, 
    and Project Managers will integrate the NEPA process along with other 
    program planning at the earliest possible time to ensure that 
    acquisition planning and decisions reflect environmental values and 
    considerations. During the planning process, materiel acquisition 
    proponents will, as early as possible, determine the type of 
    environmental analyses that will be required throughout the life cycle 
    of their assigned program and identify appropriate funding.
    
    
    Sec. 651.10  Classified actions.
    
        (a) For proposed actions and environmental documents involving 
    classified information, AR 380-5 will be followed.
        (b) Classification does not relieve a proponent of the requirement 
    to assess and document the environmental effects of a proposed action.
        (c) For cases where classified information can be reasonably 
    separated from other information, and a meaningful environmental 
    analysis produced, unclassified documents will be prepared and 
    processed in accordance with this regulation. Classified portions will 
    be kept separate and provided to reviewers and decision makers in 
    accordance with AR 380-5.
        (d) For cases where classified information is such an integral part 
    of the analysis of a proposal that a meaningful unclassified 
    environmental document cannot be produced, the proponent, in 
    consultation with the appropriate security and environmental offices, 
    will form a team to review classified environmental documents.
    
    Subpart C--Army NEPA and NEPA-Related Documents
    
    
    Sec. 651.11  Environmental Assessment (EA).
    
        The EA provides the proponent, the public, and the decision maker 
    with sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether 
    environmental impacts are significant. The EA ensures compliance with 
    NEPA when an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required and a 
    categorical exclusion (CX) is inappropriate, and facilitates 
    preparation of an EIS if required.
    
    
    Sec. 651.12  Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
    
        The FONSI is a decision document that briefly states why an action 
    will not significantly affect the environment, and that an EIS will not 
    be prepare(d). The FONSI includes a summary of the EA and notes any 
    related environmental documents. If the EA is attached, the FONSI need 
    not repeat any of the EA discussion, but may incorporate it by 
    reference.
    
    
    Sec. 651.13  Notice of Intent (NOI).
    
        The NOI is a notice published by the Army in the Federal Register 
    to inform the public that an EIS will be prepare(d). An NOI may also be 
    prepared for environmental assessments involving actions of national 
    interest.
    
    
    Sec. 651.14  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
    
        The EIS is a public document designed to ensure that NEPA policies 
    and goals are incorporated early into the programs and actions of 
    Federal agencies. An EIS is intended to provide a full, open, and 
    balanced discussion of significant environmental impacts. Along with 
    other project documentation, the EIS provides a basis for informed 
    decision making.
    
    
    Sec. 651.15  Record of Decision (ROD).
    
        The ROD is a concise public record of the decision and rationale 
    following completion of an EIS.
    
    
    Sec. 651.16  Notice of Availability (NOA).
    
        The NOA is a notice published by the Army in the Federal Register 
    to inform the public that an environmental document is available for 
    review. An NOA may be published for draft and final EISs (including 
    supplements), and will be published for RODs with national interest. An 
    NOA will also be published for environmental assessments of national 
    interest. This agency NOA should not be confused with EPA's notice of 
    availability of weekly receipts of EISs (NWR).
    
    
    Sec. 651.17  Notice of Availability of Weekly Receipts of EISs (NWR).
    
        This notice is published by the EPA and officially begins the 
    public review periods. The NWR is published each Friday, and lists the 
    EISs that were filed the previous week.
    
    
    Sec. 651.18  Record of Environmental Consideration (REC).
    
        A REC briefly describes the proposed action, identifies the 
    proponent and approving officials(s), and records the analysis for the 
    use of categorical exclusions (CX) that require such documentation. 
    There is no required format of a REC as long as the information above 
    is included.
    
    Subpart D--Categorical Exclusions (CXs)
    
    
    Sec. 651.19  General.
    
        (a) Categorical exclusions are categories of actions with no 
    significant individual or cumulative effect on the human environment, 
    and for which neither an EA nor EIS is require(d). The use of a CX is 
    intended to reduce paperwork and eliminate delays in the initiation and 
    completion of proposed actions.
        (b) Army installations and materiel developers are required to 
    prepare many types of management plans that should be environmentally 
    assessed (e.g., capital investment strategy, historic preservation, 
    natural resources etc.). In cases where activities are adequately 
    assessed as part of these normal planning processes, CXs should be 
    needed only infrequently to cover unanticipated proposals.
    
    
    Sec. 651.20  Determining when to use a CX.
    
        (a) To use a CX, the proponent must:
        (1) Identify a CX (or multiple CXs) that encompasses the proposed 
    action.
        (2) Ensure that the action has not been segmented to meet the 
    definition of a CX. This means that the whole proposal must be 
    considered (e.g., the operations of a construction project must be 
    taken into account).
        (3) Apply the following screening criteria to determine if the 
    action involves extraordinary circumstances which would preclude the 
    use of a CX:
        (i) Potential to adversely effect public health, safety or the 
    environment.
        (ii) Possible significant cumulative effects, direct or indirect.
        (iii) Impose uncertain or unique risks.
        (iv) Greater scope or size than is normal for this category of 
    action.
        (v) Reportable releases of hazardous or toxic substances as 
    specified by Section 102 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response 
    Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
    
    [[Page 37870]]
    
        (vi) Discharges of petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POLs) or 
    radioactive substances.
        (vii) Generation of noise which causes the existing C-weighted day-
    night levels (CDNL) 62 dB or A-weighted day-night levels (ADNL) 65 dB 
    noise contours to expand within or into noise sensitive land use areas. 
    Generation of noise which increases the CDNL or ADNL in noise sensitive 
    land uses by more than 1.5 dB.
        (viii) When air emissions exceed de minimis levels and a formal 
    Clean Air Act conformity determination is required.
        (ix) Potential to violate any Federal, state, or local 
    environmental law, regulation, or ordinance.
        (x) More than minor, or unresolved adverse effect on 
    environmentally sensitive resources.
        (b) Environmentally sensitive resources include:
        (1) Federally listed candidate, threatened, or endangered species 
    or their habitats;
        (2) Properties listed on or eligible for the National Register of 
    Historic Places;
        (3) Areas having special designation or recognition such as prime 
    or unique agricultural lands off Army property; coastal zones; 
    designated wilderness or wilderness study areas; wild and scenic 
    rivers; national landmarks; 100-year floodplains; wetlands; sole source 
    aquifers which are potential sources of drinking water; refuges; parks; 
    or other areas of high environmental sensitivity;
        (4) Sacred sites (IAW American Indian Religious Freedom Act).
        (c) The use of a CX does not relieve the proponent from compliance 
    with other statutes, such as consultations under the Endangered Species 
    Act or the National Historic Preservation Act. Such consultations may 
    be required to determine the applicability of screening criteria.
    
    
    Sec. 651.21  List of Categorical Exclusions (CXs).
    
        (a) For convenience only, the CXs are listed under common types of 
    activities (e.g., administration/operation, construction/demolition, 
    and repair and maintenance). Certain CXs require a REC, which will be 
    completed and signed by the proponent. Concurrence on the use of a CX 
    by the installation environmental coordinator (EC) or other appropriate 
    EC (e.g., MSC or MACOM) is required. The list of CXs is subject to 
    continual review and modification. Requests for additions or changes to 
    the CXs should be sent to the Environmental Programs Directorate. 
    Subordinate Army headquarters may not modify the CX list through 
    supplements to this regulation. The proposed modifications to the list 
    of CXs will be published in the Federal Register by HQDA to provide an 
    opportunity for public comment.
        (b) Administration/Operation Activities:
        (1) Routine law and order activities performed by military/military 
    police and physical plant protection and security personnel.
        (2) Preparing, revising, or adopting regulations, instructions, 
    directives, and plans that implement, without substantial change, 
    regulations, instructions, directives.
        (3) Routine operation of existing facilities and laboratories.
        (4) Normal fiscal, administrative, recreation and welfare 
    activities.
        (5) Reductions in force and unit redesignations.
        (6) Routine activities of personnel and equipment in facilities 
    which are compatible with the existing uses.
        (7) Deployment of military units on a temporary duty (TDY) or 
    training basis where existing facilities are used for their intended 
    purposes.
        (8) Administrative personnel-related studies.
        (9) Non-construction activities in support of other agencies/
    organizations involving community participation projects and law 
    enforcement activities.
        (10) Routine military ceremonies, funerals, and concerts. Special 
    events such as State-funerals, to include flyovers.
        (11) Routine administrative reorganizations and consolidations.
        (12) Actions which fall under another Federal agency's list of 
    categorical exclusions when the other Federal agency is the lead agency 
    and the Army is the cooperating agency (REC required).
        (c) Construction and Demolition:
        (1) Construction of an addition to an existing structure or 
    facility, and new construction which does not involve more than 5.0 
    cumulative acres of new surface disturbance. New construction does not 
    include facilities for the transportation, distribution, use, storage, 
    treatment, and disposal of solid waste, medical waste, and hazardous 
    waste (REC required).
        (2) Demolition and disposal of buildings, structures, or other 
    improvements, or removal of part thereof for demolition and disposal in 
    accordance with applicable regulations, including those regulations 
    applying to removal of asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead 
    base paint, and other hazardous materials (REC required).
        (3) Road and trail construction that involves no more than 5.0 
    acres of new surface disturbance.
        (d) Cultural and Natural Resource Management Activities:
        (1) Routine maintenance of timber stands, including tree removal 
    and pruning.
        (2) Timber harvest activities which remove 250,000 board feet or 
    less of merchantable wood products or salvage as a negotiated timber 
    sale (REC required).
        (3) Land regeneration activities of native trees and vegetation, 
    including site preparation (REC required).
        (4) Routine maintenance of streams (in accordance with U.S. Army 
    Corps of Engineers' permit authority under Section 404 of the Clean 
    Water Act and applicable state and local permits), and erosion control 
    and storm water control structures in accordance with management plans.
        (5) Policy and control measures for pest control/removal in 
    accordance with pest management plans (REC required).
        (6) Hunting and fishing policies or regulations that are consistent 
    with State and local regulations.
        (7) Studies, data collection, and information gathering which does 
    not involve major surface disturbance. Examples include topographic 
    surveys, bird counts, wetland mapping, and other resources inventories.
        (8) Routine maintenance of fish and wildlife habitat.
        (9) Routine monitoring of fish and wildlife populations. Examples 
    include radio collaring, gill netting and counts.
        (10) Reintroduction of endemic or native species (other than 
    endangered or threatened species) into historic habitat (REC Required).
        (11) Maintenance of existing archaeological and historical 
    avoidance markers, fencing, and signs.
        (12) Archaeological surveys, inventories, and minor field 
    excavations.
        (e) Procurement and Contract Activities:
        (1) Routine procurement of goods and services, including routine 
    utility services and contracts for services and goods.
        (2) Acquisition, installation, and operation of utility and 
    communication systems, data processing cable and similar electronic 
    equipment which use existing right-of-way, easement, distribution 
    systems, and/or facilities (REC required).
        (3) Conversion of commercial activities under the provisions of 
    Army Regulation 5-20.
        (4) Modification, product improvement, or configuration
    
    [[Page 37871]]
    
    engineering design change to materiel, structure or item that does not 
    change the original impact of the materiel, structure or item on the 
    environment (REC required).
        (5) Procurement, testing, use, and/or conversion of a commercial 
    product (e.g., forklift, generator, chain saw, etc.) which does not 
    meet the definition of a weapon system (Part 15, DoDI 5000.2), and does 
    not result in any unusual disposal problem.
        (f) Real Estate Activities:
        (1) Grants, acquisitions, and renewal of easements for the use of 
    existing rights-of-way for use by vehicles; electrical, telephone, and 
    other transmission and communication lines; transmitter and relay 
    facilities; water, wastewater, stormwater, irrigation pipelines, 
    pumping stations, and facilities; and for similar public utility and 
    transportation uses (REC required).
        (2) Grants, acquisitions, and renewal or termination of leases, 
    licenses, agreements, and permits for use of real property for its 
    intended uses. Examples include, but are not limited to the following: 
    existing Army controlled property and Army leases of civilian property 
    for its intended uses to include leases of classroom, office, or 
    warehouse space leased by a unit for that purpose (REC required).
        (3) Disposal of excess easement areas to the underlying fee owner 
    (REC required).
        (4) Transfer of real property to or from another military 
    department, or other Federal agency if there is no intended or 
    anticipated significant land use change (REC required).
        (5) Transfer of installation utilities to a commercial or 
    governmental utility.
        (6) Acquisition and disposal of land not to exceed 40 acres; 
    includes facilities on site (REC required).
        (7) Timber harvest activities which remove 250,000 board feet or 
    less of merchantable wood products or salvage as part of an otherwise 
    categorically excluded real estate transaction or other activity (REC 
    required).
        (g) Repair and Maintenance Activities:
        (1) Routine repair and maintenance of buildings, airfields, 
    grounds, equipment, and other facilities. Examples include, but are not 
    limited to: Removal and disposal of asbestos-containing material (e.g., 
    roof material and floor tile) or lead based paint, and repair of roofs, 
    doors, windows, or fixtures.
        (2) Routine repairs and maintenance of roads, trails, and 
    firebreaks. Examples include, but are not limited to: grading and 
    clearing the roadside of brush with or without the use of herbicides; 
    resurfacing a road to its original conditions; pruning vegetation and 
    cleaning culverts; and minor soil stabilization activities.
        (h) Hazardous Materials/Hazardous Waste Management and Operations:
        (1) Use of gauging devices, analytical instruments, and other 
    devices containing sealed radiological sources; industrial radiography; 
    use of radioactive material in medical and veterinary practices; 
    possession of radioactive material incident to performing services such 
    as installation, maintenance, leak tests and calibration; use of 
    uranium as shielding material in containers or devices; and use of 
    radioactive tracers (REC required).
        (2) Emergency responses in accordance with emergency response plans 
    (e.g., Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)/
    Installation Spill Contingency Plan, and Chemical Accident and Incident 
    Response Plan) as required by the regulatory agency responsible for 
    release or discharge of oil or hazardous materials/substances; or 
    emergency actions taken by Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) 
    detachment or Technical Escort Unit.
        (3) Sampling, surveying, well drilling and installation, analytical 
    testing, site preparation, and intrusive testing to determine if 
    hazardous wastes, contaminants, or pollutants are present.
        (4) Routine management to include transportation, distribution, 
    use, storage, treatment, and disposal of solid waste, medical waste, 
    hazardous waste and/or material that complies with EPA, Army, or other 
    regulatory agency requirements. This CX is not applicable to new 
    construction of such facilities.
        (5) Routine management of solid waste, hazardous waste, and/or 
    material recycled, reclaimed, reused, or recovered in accordance with 
    EPA or other applicable regulatory agency requirements. This CX is not 
    applicable to major new construction.
        (6) Routine research, testing, and operations conducted at 
    established laboratories, to include contractor-operated laboratories. 
    This does not include laboratories constructed for Biosafety Level 3 or 
    Biosafety Level 4.
        (7) Conduct and maintenance requirements for silver recovery, 
    alternative sterilization systems, and alternatives for regulated 
    medical waste treatment methodology (REC required).
        (8) Disposal of waste and facilities which require a state or 
    Federal permit and specific disposal methods are dictated by the 
    regulating agency (e.g., asbestos, PCBs, and underground storage 
    tanks).
        (9) Reutilization, marketing, distribution, donation, and resale of 
    items, equipment, or materiel; normal transfer of items to the Defense 
    Logistics Agency. Items, equipment, or materiel that have been 
    contaminated with hazardous materials will be adequately cleaned and 
    will conform to the applicable regulatory agency's requirements.
        (i) Training and Testing
        (1) On-post simulated war games and other tactical and logistical 
    exercises involving units of battalion size or smaller.
        (2) Training entirely of an administrative or classroom nature.
        (3) Intermittent on- and off-post training activities that involve 
    no live fire or vehicles off established roads or trails. Uses include, 
    but are not limited to: Land navigation, physical training, FAA 
    approved aerial overflights, and small unit level training. (REC 
    required for off-post activities).
        (4) Testing of materiel, including off-the-shelf materiel, on DA 
    controlled real estate where the tests are conducted in conjunction 
    with the normal execution of the test and evaluation mission (REC 
    required).
        (j) Aircraft and Airfield Activities
        (1) Infrequent, temporary (less than 30 days) increases in air 
    operations up to 50 percent of the typical installation aircraft 
    operation rate.
        (2) Flying activities in compliance with Federal Aviation 
    Regulations, that are dispersed over a wide area and do not frequently 
    (more than once per day) pass near the same ground points.
        (3) Installation of remote transmitter or receiver facilities on 
    the installation, or addition of communication channels to existing 
    facilities.
        (4) Installation or upgrade of airfield equipment (e.g., runway 
    visual range equipment, visual approach slope indicators).
        (5) Participation in airshows.
    
    Subpart E--Environmental Assessments (EAs)
    
    
    Sec. 651.22  Conditions and Actions Normally Requiring an EA.
    
        An EA is a document intended to help proponents and other decision 
    makers determine the extent of environmental impacts of a proposed 
    action, alternatives, and whether those impacts are significant. An EA 
    will be prepared if a proposed action:
        (a) Is not an emergency;
        (b) Is not exempt or an exception;
        (c) Does not qualify as a categorical exclusions (CX); and
        (d) Does not qualify for environmental impact statement (EIS) 
    criteria or actions.
    
    [[Page 37872]]
    
    Sec. 651.23  EA Format.
    
        Environmental Assessments will include:
        (a) Review and approval page.
        (b) Purpose and need for the action.
        (c) Description of the proposed action.
        (d) The alternatives considered, including appropriate 
    consideration of the no-action alternative.
        (e) Affected environment.
        (f) Environmental consequences of the proposed action and the 
    alternatives. Discussion of impacts should provide sufficient analysis 
    to reach a conclusion of ``significance'', and not be merely a 
    quantification of facts.
        (g) Conclusions regarding the significance of impacts, and a 
    recommendation whether to proceed with an EIS.
        (h) Listing of agencies and persons consulted.
        (i) References.
    
    
    Sec. 651.24  Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
    
        (a) An EA results in either a FONSI or a Notice of Intent (NOI) to 
    prepare an EIS. Initiation of a NOI to prepare an EIS should occur at 
    any time in the decision process when it is determined that significant 
    effects may occur as a result of the proposed action.
        (b) The FONSI is a formal document that:
        (1) Briefly states the decision and the reasons why the decision 
    will not have a significant effect on the human environment.
        (2) Summarizes mitigation commitments (costs and resources required 
    to complete a mitigation measure).
        (3) Explicitly states that an EIS will not be prepared.
        (c) The FONSI will either contain a summary of the EA, or have the 
    EA attached and incorporated by reference.
        (d) The FONSI should reference other documents used to make the 
    decision or finding of no significant impact.
    
    
    Sec. 651.25  Review and Approval of EAs and FONSIs.
    
        (a) The proponent is responsible for preparing, staffing, 
    processing (e.g., distributing for comment) and approving the EA with 
    the concurrence of the decision maker.
        (b) The proponent is responsible for preparing and staffing the 
    FONSI. The decision maker or designee is responsible for approving and 
    signing the FONSI.
    
    
    Sec. 651.26  Public Involvement.
    
        (a) Agencies, applicants, local governments, organizations, the 
    general public, and other interested and affected parties will be 
    involved as appropriate in the development of a proposal and 
    preparation of an EA. When considering the type and extent of public 
    notice and involvement, some of the factors to be weighed are:
        (1) Magnitude of the proposed project/action.
        (2) Extent of anticipated public interest, based on experience with 
    similar proposals.
        (3) Urgency of the proposal.
        (4) National security classification.
        (b) Public involvement should begin early in the proposal 
    development stage, and during preparation of an EA. The direct 
    involvement of agencies with jurisdiction or special expertise is an 
    integral part of impact analysis, and provides information and 
    conclusions for incorporation into EAs. Unclassified documents 
    incorporated into the EA or FONSI by reference are public documents.
        (c) Copies of public notices, ``scoping'' letters, EAs and FONSIs, 
    and other documents routinely sent to the public will be sent directly 
    to appropriate Congressional state and district offices.
        (d) All EAs will be made available for at least a 30-day public 
    comment period prior to approval of the FONSI, except as provided in 
    paragraph (e) of this section.
        (e) The next higher level of authority may waive the 30-day comment 
    period if all of the following conditions are met:
        (1) Delay would jeopardize the Army's mission or an applicant's 
    ability to implement a proposal; and
        (2) The EA/FONSI have been sufficiently staffed within the Army and 
    with agencies with special expertise or with authority over an aspect 
    of the proposal; and
        (3) The action does not involve wetlands, floodplains, or the 
    circumstances and actions described in 40 CFR 1501.4(e)(2). Appropriate 
    public notice of the availability of the completed EA and approved 
    FONSI shall be made.
    
    
    Sec. 651.27  Mitigation and Implementation Plan.
    
        (a) Throughout the NEPA process, the proponent will consider 
    mitigating measures to avoid or minimize environmental harm. Mitigation 
    measures or programs will be clearly assessed in the EA and identified 
    in the FONSI for the decision maker to approve. Mitigation committed to 
    as part of the decision will be implemented by the proponent; for 
    purposes of identifying funding requirements, mitigations should be 
    ranked on a priority basis.
        (b) An EA may have a no significant impact conclusion because of 
    specific mitigation measures. Such key measures must be accomplished in 
    the stated time frame to support the no significant impact conclusion, 
    or the significance of the project impacts must be reevaluated.
    
    Subpart F--Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
    
    
    Sec. 651.28  Introduction.
    
        An EIS is a public document designed to ensure that NEPA policies 
    and goals are incorporated early into the programs and actions of 
    Federal agencies. An EIS is intended to provide a full, open, and 
    balanced discussion of significant environmental impacts that may 
    result from a proposed action. Along with other project documentation, 
    the EIS provides a basis for informed decision making.
    
    
    Sec. 651.29  Conditions Requiring an EIS.
    
        In determining if an EIS is appropriate, the proponent should 
    consider whether the proposed action has the potential to:
        (a) Significantly degrade environmental quality or public health or 
    safety.
        (b) Significantly adversely affect historic or archaeological 
    resources, public parks and recreation areas, wildlife refuge or 
    wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, or aquifers.
        (c) Significantly adversely impacts properties listed or meeting 
    the criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, 
    or the National Registry of Natural Landmarks.
        (d) Significantly adversely impact prime and unique farmlands 
    located off-post, wetlands, floodplains, coastal zones, or ecologically 
    important areas or other areas of unique or critical environmental 
    sensitivity.
        (e) Result in significant or uncertain environmental effects, or 
    unique or unknown environmental risks.
        (f) Significantly adversely affect a species or habitat listed or 
    proposed for listing on the Federal list of endangered or threatened 
    species, and Federal candidate species.
        (g) Either establish a precedent for future action or represent a 
    decision in principle about a future consideration with significant 
    environmental effects.
        (h) Adversely interact with other actions with individually 
    insignificant effects so that cumulatively significant environmental 
    effects result.
        (i) Involve the production, storage, transportation, use, treatment 
    and disposal of hazardous or toxic materials to include medical wastes 
    that may have significant environmental impact.
    
    [[Page 37873]]
    
    Sec. 651.30  Actions Normally Requiring an EIS.
    
        (a) The following actions normally require preparation of an EIS:
        (1) Land acquisition greater than 640 acres.
        (2) Construction of major ranges, such as multipurpose range 
    complexes (MPRCs).
        (3) Expansion/Development of a central impact area.
        (4) A Category I (major) weapons system acquisition program.
        (5) Permanent restationing of a Brigade or larger (TOE) unit during 
    peacetime in the continental United States.
        (6) Training activities where approved land use plans or regulatory 
    (e.g.; soil/land/water) plans or goals are exceeded.
        (7) Master Plans for established installations where major new 
    developments or substantial changes in mission requirements are 
    proposed.
        (8) Division or larger training activities conducted outside the 
    boundaries of an existing military reservation.
        (9) Introduction or reintroduction of Federally listed endangered/
    threatened species, or exotic species.
        (10) Construction projects in a National Priorities List (NPL) site 
    or other major cleanup site that are not related to an environmental 
    restoration project.
        (11) Proposal similar to past project or action that contributed to 
    or created a major cleanup action.
        (12) Construction or location of a facility within a 100-year 
    floodplain where there is potential for significant release of 
    hazardous substances.
        (13) Construction or upgrading of a laboratory to a Biosafety Level 
    4 (32 CFR part 627, App. G).
        (14) Proposed action would create or expand an existing Noise Zone 
    III in a noise sensitive area.
        (15) Construction of facility to store, treat, or dispose of large 
    quantities of chemical agents (e.g., mustard, sarin, tabun). Does not 
    include riot agents.
        (b) While these are individual actions, one must consider the full 
    spectrum of actions that constitute a single proposed action. For 
    example, construction of a multipurpose range must also consider the 
    impacts of operations; land acquisition must consider the intended 
    uses.
    
    
    Sec. 651.31  EIS Format.
    
        The EIS must contain:
        (a) Cover sheet.
        (b) Summary.
        (c) Table of contents.
        (d) Purpose of and need for the action.
        (e) Alternatives considered, including proposed action and no 
    action alternative.
        (f) Affected environment (baseline conditions that may be 
    impacted).
        (g) Environmental and socioeconomic consequences.
        (h) List of preparers.
        (i) Distribution list.
        (j) Index.
        (k) Appendixes (as appropriate).
    
    
    Sec. 651.32  Approval Authority.
    
        (a) The primary approval authority for EISs and related documents 
    (NOI, NOA) is the MACOM Commander, Program Executive Officer, Major 
    Subordinate Command Commander with Milestone Decision Authority for 
    acquisition/development programs, or HQDA equivalent for Army-wide 
    programs for which HQDA is the proponent.
        (b) Approval authority may be delegated for actions that are 
    limited in scope (e.g., affect only one installation) and are without 
    apparent major controversy. This delegation extends to garrison 
    commanders and Program or Systems Managers).
        (c) When delegating authority, consideration should be given to the 
    scope of the proposal, public/agency controversy and sensitivity, and 
    the capacity to adequately and objectively administer the analysis.
    
    
    Sec. 651.33  Notice of Intent (NOI).
    
        (a) The NOI initiates the formal scoping process, and is prepared 
    by the proponent.
        (b) For proposed actions that are widely controversial, or of 
    national concern or interest, the Office, Chief of Legislative Liaison 
    (OCLL) shall be notified of the pending action so that appropriate 
    congressional coordination may be effected.
        (c) The Office, Chief of Public Affairs, will coordinate public 
    announcements through its chain of command.
        (d) The approved NOI shall be forwarded to the Army Federal 
    Register Liaison Officer for publication in the Federal Register. 
    Copies of the Notice may also be distributed to agencies, 
    organizations, and individuals who have expressed interest. A copy of 
    the approved NOI shall be forwarded to the Director of Environmental 
    Programs, HQDA.
    
    
    Sec. 651.34  Scoping.
    
        This scoping process identifies the significant issues related to a 
    proposed action. Issues which are not significant or which have been 
    covered by prior environmental review are identified and eliminated 
    from detailed study. Proper scoping also identifies reasonable 
    alternatives, essential participants, and information needed for 
    analysis. Affected Federal, state, and local agencies, affected Indian 
    Tribes, and other interested persons are included as part of the 
    scoping process. Proper scoping reduces the chances of overlooking 
    significant issues or reasonable alternatives, and increases public 
    confidence in the decision making process.
    
    
    Sec. 651.35  Preparation and Processing of the Draft Environment Impact 
    Statement (DEIS).
    
        (a) The proponent prepares draft environmental impact statements. 
    Following appropriate staffing and revisions, the DEIS is approved for 
    public release by the delegated authority.
        (b) Following approval, the proponent will forward five copies of 
    the DEIS to EPA for filing and notice in the Federal Register; 
    publication of EPA's notice of availability of weekly receipts (NWR) 
    commences the public comment period. The proponent will distribute the 
    DEIS prior to, or simultaneous with, filing with EP(A) Distribution 
    will include appropriate Federal, state, regional and local agencies; 
    Native American tribes; and organizations and private citizens who have 
    expressed interest in the proposed action.
        (c) For proposed actions that are widely controversial, or of 
    national concern or interest, the Office, Chief of Legislative Liaison 
    (OCLL) shall be notified of the pending action so that appropriate 
    congressional coordination may be effected.
        (d) The Office, Chief of Public Affairs, will coordinate public 
    announcements through its chain of command.
        (e) The proponent may prepare a separate Notice of Availability 
    (NOA) to be published in the Federal Register by the Army Federal 
    Register Liaison Officer, and in newspapers of general circulation in 
    the affected area(s). Publication should be on the same date as the EPA 
    publication.
    
    
    Sec. 651.36  Public Review of the DEIS.
    
        (a) The DEIS public comment period will be no less than 45 days. If 
    the statement is unusually long, a summary of the DEIS may be 
    circulated, with an attached list of locations where the entire DEIS 
    may be reviewed (for example, local public libraries).
        (b) Distribution of the complete DEIS must include the following:
        (1) Any Federal agency that has jurisdiction by law or special 
    expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved and any 
    appropriate Federal, state, or local agency
    
    [[Page 37874]]
    
    authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards.
        (2) The applicant, if any.
        (3) Any person, organization, or agency requesting the entire draft 
    environmental impact statement.
        (c) News releases or public notices should be prepared and issued 
    to publicize any meetings or hearings that may be scheduled.
    
    
    Sec. 651.37  Preparation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement 
    (FEIS).
    
        (a) Response to comments. The proponent shall consider and respond 
    appropriately to public comments. Responses to comments on the DEIS 
    will be incorporated by modification of the text and/or written 
    explanation. Similar comments should be grouped for a common response.
        (b) If the changes to the DEIS are exclusively clarifications or 
    minor factual corrections, a document consisting of only the DEIS 
    comments, responses to the comments, and errata sheets may be prepared 
    and circulated. If such an abbreviated FEIS is anticipated, the DEIS 
    should contain a statement advising reviewers to keep the document so 
    they will have a complete set of ``final'' documents. The final EIS to 
    be filed with EPA will consist of a complete document containing a new 
    cover sheet, the errata sheets, comments and responses, and the text of 
    the draft EIS. Coordination, approval, filing, and public notice of an 
    abbreviated FEIS is the same as for a draft EIS.
        (c) If extensive modifications are warranted, the proponent will 
    prepare a new, complete FEIS. Preparation, coordination, approval, 
    filing, and public notice of the FEIS is the same as the process 
    outlined for the DEIS.
        (d) The FEIS distribution must include any person, organization, or 
    agency that submitted substantive comments on the DEIS. One copy of the 
    FEIS will be forwarded to the U.S. Army Environmental Center.
        (e) The FEIS will clearly identify the Army's preferred alternative 
    unless prohibited by law.
    
    
    Sec. 651.38  Decision.
    
        (a) No final decision on a proposed action will be made until at 
    least 30 days after EPA has published the NWR of the FEIS in the 
    Federal Register, or at least 90 days after the NWR of the DEIS, 
    whichever is later.
        (b) The proponent will prepare a Record of Decision (ROD) for the 
    decision maker(s) signature, which will--
        (1) Clearly state the decision. Describe the decision in sufficient 
    detail to address the significant issues and ensure long-term 
    monitoring and execution.
        (2) Identify all alternatives considered by the Army in reaching 
    its decision, specifying the environmentally preferred alternative(s). 
    The Army will discuss preferences among alternatives based on relevant 
    factors including environmental, economic, and technical considerations 
    and agency statutory missions.
        (3) Identify and discuss all such factors, including any essential 
    considerations of national policy that were balanced by the Army in 
    making its decision. Because economic and technical analyses are 
    balanced with environmental analysis, the agency preferred alternative 
    will not necessarily be the environmentally preferred alternative.
        (4) State how those considerations entered into the final decision.
        (5) State whether all practicable means to avoid or minimize 
    environmental harm from the selected alternative have been adopted, and 
    if not, why they were not. A monitoring and enforcement program will be 
    adopted and summarized for any mitigation.
        (c) Implementation of the decision may begin immediately after 
    approval of the ROD.
        (d) For RODs involving actions of national interest or concern, the 
    proponent will prepare a Notice of Availability (NOA) to be published 
    in the Federal Register by the Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. 
    Processing and approval of the NOA is the same as for an NOI.
        (e) RODs will be distributed to agencies with authority or 
    oversight over aspects of the proposal, cooperating agencies, 
    appropriate Congressional state and district offices, all parties that 
    are directly affected, and others upon request.
        (f) One copy of the ROD will be forwarded to the U.S. Army 
    Environmental Center.
        (g) Implementing the Decision. The Army will ensure that its 
    decision is properly execute(d) Mitigation and other conditions 
    assessed in EISs and accepted as part of the decision will be 
    implemented by the proponent. The proponent will--
        (1) Include appropriate conditions in grants, permits, or other 
    approvals.
        (2) Ensure mitigation measures are properly resourced and 
    implemented.
        (3) Upon request, inform cooperating or commenting agencies on the 
    progress in carrying out adopted mitigation measures that they have 
    proposed and that were adopted by the agency making the decision.
        (4) Upon request, make the results of relevant monitoring available 
    to the public and Congress.
    
    
    Sec. 651.39  Supplemental EISs (SEISs).
    
        (a) An SEIS is an addition to a draft and/or final EIS that has 
    been filed; a supplement should not be considered a major revision to 
    an EIS. If the changes to a proposed action, circumstances, or analysis 
    are significant, a revised (new) EIS shall be prepared rather than a 
    supplemental EIS. A process of publishing ``supplements'' can become 
    confusing to reviewers, and should be done only when an analysis can be 
    substantially improved without confusion.
        (b) SEISs are prepared, approved, filed, and given notice in the 
    same way as draft and final EISs.
        (c) A Notice of Intent need not be published or amended, nor new 
    scoping undertaken, for a supplemental draft EIS that is expected to be 
    filed within one year from the date the original EIS being supplemented 
    (draft or final) was filed with EPA, and the affected publics are not 
    expected to change drastically (i.e., supplement does not involve 
    actions that may impact heretofore unaffected publics).
    
    
    Sec. 651.40  The Army as a Cooperating Agency.
    
        (a) The Army may be a Cooperating Agency:
        (1) To provide information or technical expertise to a Lead Agency.
        (2) To approve portions of a proposed action.
        (3) To ensure the Army has an opportunity to be involved in an 
    action of another Federal agency which will affect the Army.
        (b) Review and Approval of EISs and RODs
        (1) Adequacy of an EIS is the responsibility primarily of the Lead 
    Agency. However, as a Cooperating Agency with approval authority over 
    portions of a proposal, the Army may adopt an EIS after a review 
    concludes the EIS adequately satisfies the Army's comments and 
    suggestions.
        (2) If the Army is a major approval authority for the proposed 
    action, the appropriate Army official may sign the Record of Decision 
    prepared by the Lead Agency, or prepare a separate, more focused ROD. 
    If the Army's approval authority is only a minor aspect of the overall 
    proposal, such as issuing a temporary use permit, the Army need not 
    sign the Lead Agency's ROD nor prepare a separate ROD.
        (3) The magnitude of the Army's involvement in the proposal will 
    determine the appropriate level and
    
    [[Page 37875]]
    
    scope of Army review of NEPA documents. If the Army is a major approval 
    authority or may be severely impacted by the proposal or an 
    alternative, the Army should undertake the same level of review as if 
    it were the Lead Agency; if the involvement is limited, the review may 
    be substantially less. The Lead Agency is responsible for overall 
    supervision of the EIS, and the Army will attempt to meet all 
    reasonable timeframes imposed by the Lead Agency.
    Gregory D. Showalter,
    Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
    [FR Doc. 96-17991 Filed 7-19-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3710-08-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
07/22/1996
Department:
Army Department
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
96-17991
Dates:
To be given full consideration, comments must be received no later than August 21, 1996.
Pages:
37865-37875 (11 pages)
PDF File:
96-17991.pdf
CFR: (40)
32 CFR 651.1
32 CFR 651.2
32 CFR 651.3
32 CFR 651.4
32 CFR 651.5
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