What is an Environmental Assessment (EA)?

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a federally reviewed environmental study conducted to examine the impacts of building and then operating a new facility.  Studies include noise, vibration, emission, land use, air quality and traffic impacts, among others. If there are impacts found that require mitigation, the EA will identify proposed measures to avoid, minimize or eliminate those impacts.  Contrary to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), an EA is used when it can be reasonably assumed that no impacts considered "significant" will be found.

If no significant impacts are found in the EA or if acceptable mitigation treatments are identified, the Federal Transit Administration will issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). A FONSI includes a brief description of the proposed action and any alternatives considered, a short discussion of environmental effects likely to result from the action, and a summary of facts leading to the FONSI.

The EA schedule calls for the draft document to be released for public comment this fall. The Final EA is scheduled to be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration for its approval by early 2009.