Streamlining the NEPA Compliance Process for NRCS Activities in New England and New York.

The  USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in the  six New England states and neighboring New York have prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to facilitate NEPA compliance processes for its activities. About 99 commonly used conservation practices are evaluated. The assessment is supported by network diagrams illustrating the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of these practices on the environment. The diagrams aid conservation planners in completing rapid assessments of potential site-specific environmental gains or losses resulting from the implementation of conservation practices and determining when facilitating practices may be needed to mitigate potential unintended and undesirable effects. The primary benefit of a regional EA is streamlined compliance with NEPA requirements at the state and local levels. The EA also provides a tool for outreach on the positive effects of agency strategic planning goals, the NRCS conservation planning process and specific conservation practices. Other benefits include: elimination of the need for most site and project specific EA’s; clarification of the agency’s NEPA process; a more efficient process for field and state office employees, facilitation of program implementation and attainment of performance goals; increased understanding of the multiple effects of specific practices; identification of ways to improve practice implementation and mitigate potential adverse effects; justification for future categorical exclusions; compliance documentation for management or operational reviews; and reduced risk of future litigation. The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been signed by all seven State Conservationists. A Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register in May, 2007, and the streamlined process was available for implementation shortly thereafter.