Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Furthermore, based on the new EIS review process outlined below, only the attachments and documents referenced in each section are required; the originating office is no longer required to prepare and submit older versions of DOI or BLM briefing papers for EISs and their associated FRNs.
However, previously issued guidance and requirements still apply for all other FRNs. If an SES position is not filled on a permanent basis, the individual serving in an acting role for that position bears ultimate responsibility for the EIS process.
In the event the responsible SES member or the individual acting in that role is unavailable, the delegated Associate State Director or Deputy Assistant Director assumes the responsibility for the project. Note that BLM State Offices are also expected to use ePlanning for all NEPA projects to post necessary documents, comments, and other information, and to assist in tracking progress consistent with applicable guidance, IM The milestone dates in the OEPC database should be used as the primary guides for when a State Office should submit or update entries in the weekly communications report.
Once materials are sent to the NEPA. It is incumbent upon the State Office to follow-up with the Office of the Deputy Secretary to ensure that all relevant materials are properly distributed.
The day that the Review Team receives the materials from the Office of the Deputy Secretary does not count as part of the review period. The EIS Project Team may only proceed if they did not receive any questions, objections, or briefing requests within the allotted review time.
If feedback was provided, the responsible SES member must ensure that all suggestions are fully addressed, and all objections are fully resolved, before proceeding. No additional coordination with the Review Team is required to demonstrate or confirm that requested changes have been made.
In the email subject line include the action, short project name words , and the State example: Notice of Intent, Gemini Solar, NV. If any corrections are needed, WO should work with the State Office to ensure all corrections are made and uploaded to DTS by the end of the 3 business day review period allotted to the Review Team.
WO is responsible for securing approval of the press release by the end of the 3 business day review period allotted to the Review Team, and for uploading any revised versions of the press release or communications plan to the DTS record. The request should include a complete list of individuals who should be invited, as detailed on the scheduling request template.
Additionally, the Open House allows for more in- depth discussions and questions, and allows individuals that are not comfortable with public speaking to express their concerns directly to the BLM staff. Workshops represent an opportunity for interested members of the public to discuss specific issues in-depth with the BLM staff.
In a workshop, members of the public often break into small groups and are given assignments, such as specific questions to be answered or issues to be brainstormed.
At the end of a workshop, the groups report out to the larger group. The reports may be captured in a variety of ways, such as by a group note taker or on flip charts. The benefit of this approach is that it allows members of the public to delve into the details of a proposed action and alternatives.
However, it can require a large time commitment, and may require either a certain level of knowledge from participants or the time to educate participants on the in-depth topic. Generally, a workshop should be used to supplement other methods of public involvement and may not be appropriate as the only public meeting. Regardless of the meeting format that a manager chooses, the following are best practices for all meeting formats.
Managers and project managers should try to anticipate the types of questions they will receive, and have the appropriate individuals available. This may include the BLM manager, the project manager, a facilitator for more controversial projects or larger crowds a contractor or project manager can often serve this role , the BLM or contractor specialists for affected resources, and applicant representatives if applicable.
If a project has a large geo-spatial component, such as a Travel Management Plan, consider having a GIS specialist and a GIS station where the public can see detailed maps of the project area and resources important to them. Disclose the meeting format in meeting announcements and press releases.
This allows the public to be prepared and decide whether the meeting format will meet their needs. This is especially important if the BLM is not going to record verbal comments. If the BLM is not recording verbal comments, and a member of the public is unable to provide written comments, the BLM should make reasonable accommodations to ensure that individual is able to fully participate.
One way to do this is to provide a station with a contractor-supplied or BLM computer, and someone who can capture dictated comments or that can be directly typed by the commenter. Timeframe : Effective immediately. Budget Impact : None. Although the BLM can engage with the public throughout the decision-making process, formal public involvement generally occurs at two stages: scoping and public comment on an EA or Draft EIS.
Both scoping and public comment periods are required for EISs. For EAs, the requirements are more flexible, but there must be some level of public involvement. When appropriate, public meetings provide an effective way of reaching out to the public during scoping and public comment periods.
Coordination : These policies have been coordinated and reviewed by the Division of Natural Resources and the Division of External Affairs. Districts with Unions are reminded to notify their unions of this IM and satisfy any bargaining obligations before implementation.
Most of the actions the BLM takes to implement its land-use plans are reviewed under the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act NEPA , either through the production of detailed Environmental Impact Statements, less-complex Environmental Assessments, or other related documents including:.
Environmental Impact Statements EISs : An EIS is a comprehensive document that analyzes the impacts of a federal action that will have a significant effect on the human environment. An EIS describes the purpose and need for a proposed action, describes the affected environment, discusses alternatives to a proposed action, and analyzes environmental impacts and ways to mitigate them. An EIS has more procedural requirements, and therefore takes more time to prepare on average than an EA.
Environmental Assessments EAs : An EA is a document that identifies environmental effects of a proposed action and determines their significance. If it seems unlikely that a proposed action will have a significant effect on the environment, the BLM will prepare an EA.
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