National Environmental Policy Act Versar's Approach to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Versar's approach to Environmental Impact Statements & Assessments under NEPA is based on our more than 30 years of experience. As it has evolved, NEPA continues to be the overarching framework within which environmental planning is most effectively conducted. Versar, therefore, presents its approach based on the NEPA analyses and documentation that support and are integrated with other environmental compliance needs. Environmental Impact Statements & Assessments Under NEPA Versar's Center for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and documentation currently manages NEPA contracts for the Baltimore, Philadelphia and Wilmington Districts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provides NEPA support to Versar's many other DoD contracts nationwide. Versar has successfully transformed its 20 years of impact assessment experience into a NEPA center of excellence based on three principles: Intimate familiarity with the latest NEPA guidance and recommendations from the Council on Environmental Quality and individual federal agencies. Focus on timeliness, relevance, and cost-effectiveness in producing Environmental Assessments (EAs) that effectively integrate NEPA analysis into agency planning processes. Capabilities for sophisticated analyses needed to provide innovative solutions in Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for complex and controversial projects. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (P.L. 91-190), the nation's "Magna Carta for the environment" (CEQ 1993), has had a profound effect on project planning and evaluation in the United States. The thrust of NEPA ,subsequent executive orders, CEQ guidances (1971 and 1973) and regulations (1978 amended 1986), and numerous federal agency regulations and procedures is to ensure that balanced decision making regarding the environment occurs in the total public interest. Prior to NEPA, technical and economic factors dominated agency decision making; NEPA requires that the potential environmental impacts of each actions and all reasonable alternatives be considered by the decision maker. Federal agencies must comply with Section 101 of NEPA which establishes protection of the environment as national policy and Section 102 which requires that an interdisciplinary approach be applied to and methods developed for the preparation of EISs. Federal agencies have each promulgated mission-specific NEPA regulations to carry out the Act. In addition, more than 30 states (and numerous regional planning organizations and local municipalities) have "little NEPAs" that require the preparation of environmental impact reports for public and certain private activities. Federal agencies sometimes feel they face a daunting task in complying with vague and overlapping environmental reporting requirements. However, the NEPA process is not designed to be merely a burdensome, time-consuming, costly paperwork exercise, but rather a planning and decisionmaking tool. As CEQ states: the purpose of NEPA is not to generate paperwork, even excellent paperwork, but to foster excellent actions. More than twenty years after its enactment, this goal is being more fully realized. NEPA is receiving more attention than at any time since its early years and agencies are maturing their approaches to NEPA. They are becoming far more concerned about not just the mechanical aspects of producing documents that nominally comply with the law; they are demanding that the NEPA efforts actually produce useful, meaningful results, without elaborate and complex analyses. Versar recognizes that in order to do good NEPA work there must be a process organized and focused to achieve results which are reliably: useful to planners and decision makers timely and responsive informative to the public and agencies, and cost-effective. Versar is thoroughly familiar with these issues through it continuing support of the Council on Environmental Quality in its development of guidance for considering biodiversity and cumulative effects in NEPA analyses. Versar's Director of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Programs, Dr. Mark Southerland, has been providing policy support to the Council on Environmental Quality (the executive branch oversight body) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Federal Activities (NEPA review office) since 1988. He is the primary author of CEQ guidance documents on considering biodiversity and cumulative effects under NEPA. He most recently was the final author on the reinvention report, "The NEPA: A Study of its Effectiveness After Twenty-five Years." He has developed five guidance documents for EPA NEPA reviewers, as well as NEPA biodiversity guidance for FERC hydropower licensing. He has taught at the CEQ-Duke University biennial NEPA training courses since 1993. Links to some of these guidance documents can be found below: http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/ccenepa/ccenepa.htm http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/nepa25fn.pdf http://www.epa.gov/compliance/ Selected NEPA Projects Environmental Impact Statement for Future Development at Fort Meade, Maryland Fort George G. Meade, MD is an administrative installation supporting the missions of over 114 tenants representing a wide variety of training, intelligence, and educational programs. Following BRAC actions, Fort Meade has an increased mission as a major federal administrative center and has the need to accommodate additional tenants and activities. In February 1999, Versar completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the USACE, Baltimore District identifying significant adverse impacts traffic and air quality at Fort Meade from projected installation development and operations through 2004. Versar is currently preparing an EIS for future development of Fort Meade over the next 25 years. Versar has completed all but the final approval phases of the NEPA process from project conceptualization and scoping to impact analysis and document preparation. This is a highly visible project in the metropolitan Washington and Baltimore corridor; it involves substantial public involvement and the need to consider cumulative effects from regional activities. Impacts from traffic, air quality, landfill operations, wastewater treatment, and infrastructure development are the major issues in this EIS. Because of the importance of traffic impacts, Fort Meade has included an update the installation traffic master plan as part of this EIS. The update will form the basis for impact evaluation. Increases in traffic are responsible for air quality impacts as well. Versar has determined what conformity analyses and mitigation will be required to address these impacts. Environmental Assessment for the Chaff and Flare Operations for Military Operations Area (MOA), Tyndall AFB, Florida The objective of this DO was to assist HQ AETC and 325th Fighter Wing (325 FW) with preparation of an environmental analysis to support the decision making process for the employment of chaff and flares in the Carrabelle and Compass Lake Military Operations Areas (MOA) at Tyndall AFB, Florida. A two-phased approach was used. Phase I consisted of working closely with HQ AETC and 325 FW personnel to accurately characterize the proposed and alternative actions, resulting in a coordinated Description of the Proposed Action and Alternatives (DOPAA). Phase II involved taking the DOPAA developed in Phase I and executing the Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP) by producing an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The EIAP process was conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended and AFI 32-7061, The Environmental Impact Analysis Process. Environmental Assessment and Environmental Baseline Survey for Warrior Week Training Area, Lackland AFB, Texas Versar prepared an EA at Lackland AFB to determine the environmental effects of a field training area designed to enhance realism and produce a more rounded, mission-qualified airman. The purpose of the training area is to provide every Air Force trainee a one-week field training experience. The environmental effects of the proposed action were assessed for the following resources: noise, air quality, earth resources, water resources, infrastructure and utilities, hazardous materials and wastes, biological resources, cultural resources, and land use. The EIAP process resulted in preparation of a FONSI for the action. Versar also prepared an EBS, which followed a systematic approach of information review and data gathering as outlined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-7066, Environmental Baseline Surveys in Real Estate Transactions, April 1994. The information was used to assess historical activities on the property as well as current environmental conditions at the site and surrounding area. Data gathering activities were conducted in two distinct phases. Phase I EBS activities included review of base documents, aerial photographs, and database records, a visual inspection of the site, and interviews with LAFB personnel. The Phase II portion of the EBS included collection and laboratory analysis of surface soil, subsurface soil, stream sediment and surface water samples from the site to assess the presence and concentrations of potential contaminants resulting from previous unauthorized disposal activities. Environmental Assessment for Water Recycling Initiative, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas Versar was tasked with preparing an EA for a water recycling initiative at Lackland AFB. The Air Force proposed to implement the initiative in cooperation with the San Antonio Water System to provide recycled water to the Lackland AFB golf course, parade grounds, and Wilford Hall Medical Center cooling towers. The initiative would supply approximately 579 acre-feet of recycled water, and subsequently reduce Lackland AFB's draw on the Edwards Aquifer by the same amount. This was a high profile EA that was completed on an accelerated schedule at the request of the Air Force. The EA also included a wetland delineation to determine the location of jurisdictional waters and wetlands regulated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The EA concluded that implementation of the initiative would not cause significant impacts to the environment in the areas of noise, air quality, earth resources, water resources, infrastructure/utilities, hazardous materials and wastes, biological resources, cultural resources, socioeconomic resources, land use, and environmental justice. The EA concluded that the water recycling initiative would reduce the draw on the aquifer by 188.5 million gallons per year. Environmental Assessment and Environmental Baseline Survey for Military Family Housing Privatization, Goodfellow AFB, Texas The City of San Angelo, in partnership with a private developer, developed a proposal for the privatization of military family housing (MFH) at Goodfellow AFB to meet the housing needs of military personnel assigned to the installation. The Air Force proposed to privatize MFH in four phases: (1) conveyance of existing units, (2) leasing of land on GAFB to the City for private construction, (3) securing the Lake Nasworthy Housing Area with a Rental Set Aside Contract, and (4) leasing additional land on GAFB to the City for private construction. Versar was tasked to prepare an EA to address the environmental effects of the proposed action. The EA and FONSI concluded that implementation of the proposed action would not cause significant impact to the environment in the areas of air quality, biological resources, water resources, earth resources, cultural resources, hazardous materials and wastes, land use, noise, infrastructure/utilities, socioeconomic resources, and environmental justice. Versar also conducted Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination for Environmental Planning (IICEP) Coordination for the project. An EBS was also prepared for the project to assess historical activities on the property as well as current environmental conditions at the site and surrounding area. Some sampling activities were conducted to investigate an area of concern discovered during preparation of the EBS. Environmental Assessment for Facility Improvement Plan for AMMO Project 2010, Lackland AFB, Texas The Civil Engineer Squadron (37 CES) at Lackland AFB received a request for environmental impact analysis of a facility improvement plan titled "Ammo Project 2010". That plan includes the construction of many facilities located on the LTA. Versar has been tasked to prepare an EA, FONSI and/or FONPA for the facility improvement plan. The project will consist of preparation of an EA that will consist of a planning and scoping meeting and preparation of several requisite documents including a DOPAA, an EA Report and FONSI; preparation of a public notice (one article in Sunday Express/News paper and La Prenza in English and Spanish versions); and performing required interagency coordination. The EA will be performed in accordance with NEPA and AFI 32-7061, and any other applicable federal, state and local regulations. Environmental Assessment and Environmental Baseline Survey for Sale of Military Family Housing, Tyndall AFB, Florida. AETC requested an EIA and EBS for the proposed sale of MFH at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Tyndall AFB is considering selling Cove Gardens MFH to Panama City. Versar has been tasked to conduct the EIAP, in accordance with AFI 32-7061. If the findings of the EA indicate no significant impacts, a decision document containing a FONSI will be prepared. The delivery order also includes the preparation of an EBS in accordance with AFI 32-7066. The project will consist of three primary activities: (1) an EBS to include interviews and an aerial/photo records review, and a visual site inspection; (2) an EA that will consist of a planning and scoping meeting and preparation of several requisite documents including a DOPAA, an EA Report and FONSI; and (3) IICEP Correspondence preparation. Versar has completed all but the final approval phases of the NEPA process from project conceptualization and scoping to impact analysis and document preparation. This is a highly visible project in the metropolitan Washington and Baltimore corridor; it involves substantial public involvement and the need to consider cumulative effects from regional activities. Impacts from traffic, air quality, landfill operations, wastewater treatment, and infrastructure development are the major issues in this EIS. Because of the importance of traffic impacts, Fort Meade has included an update the installation traffic master plan as part of this EIS. The update will form the basis for impact evaluation. Increases in traffic are responsible for air quality impacts as well. Versar has determined what conformity analyses and mitigation will be required to address these impacts. Environmental Assessment for the Chaff and Flare Operations for Military Operations Area (MOA), Tyndall AFB, Florida The objective of this DO was to assist HQ AETC and 325th Fighter Wing (325 FW) with preparation of an environmental analysis to support the decision making process for the employment of chaff and flares in the Carrabelle and Compass Lake Military Operations Areas (MOA) at Tyndall AFB, Florida. A two-phased approach was used. Phase I consisted of working closely with HQ AETC and 325 FW personnel to accurately characterize the proposed and alternative actions, resulting in a coordinated Description of the Proposed Action and Alternatives (DOPAA). Phase II involved taking the DOPAA developed in Phase I and executing the Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP) by producing an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The EIAP process was conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended and AFI 32-7061, The Environmental Impact Analysis Process. Environmental Assessment and Environmental Baseline Survey for Warrior Week Training Area, Lackland AFB, Texas Versar prepared an EA at Lackland AFB to determine the environmental effects of a field training area designed to enhance realism and produce a more rounded, mission-qualified airman. The purpose of the training area is to provide every Air Force trainee a one-week field training experience. The environmental effects of the proposed action were assessed for the following resources: noise, air quality, earth resources, water resources, infrastructure and utilities, hazardous materials and wastes, biological resources, cultural resources, and land use. The EIAP process resulted in preparation of a FONSI for the action. Versar also prepared an EBS, which followed a systematic approach of information review and data gathering as outlined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-7066, Environmental Baseline Surveys in Real Estate Transactions, April 1994. The information was used to assess historical activities on the property as well as current environmental conditions at the site and surrounding area. Data gathering activities were conducted in two distinct phases. Phase I EBS activities included review of base documents, aerial photographs, and database records, a visual inspection of the site, and interviews with LAFB personnel. The Phase II portion of the EBS included collection and laboratory analysis of surface soil, subsurface soil, stream sediment and surface water samples from the site to assess the presence and concentrations of potential contaminants resulting from previous unauthorized disposal activities. The EA concluded that implementation of the initiative would not cause significant impacts to the environment in the areas of noise, air quality, earth resources, water resources, infrastructure/utilities, hazardous materials and wastes, biological resources, cultural resources, socioeconomic resources, land use, and environmental justice. The EA concluded that the water recycling initiative would reduce the draw on the aquifer by 188.5 million gallons per year. Environmental Assessment and Environmental Baseline Survey for Military Family Housing Privatization, Goodfellow AFB, Texas The City of San Angelo, in partnership with a private developer, developed a proposal for the privatization of military family housing (MFH) at Goodfellow AFB to meet the housing needs of military personnel assigned to the installation. The Air Force proposed to privatize MFH in four phases: (1) conveyance of existing units, (2) leasing of land on GAFB to the City for private construction, (3) securing the Lake Nasworthy Housing Area with a Rental Set Aside Contract, and (4) leasing additional land on GAFB to the City for private construction. Versar was tasked to prepare an EA to address the environmental effects of the proposed action. The EA and FONSI concluded that implementation of the proposed action would not cause significant impact to the environment in the areas of air quality, biological resources, water resources, earth resources, cultural resources, hazardous materials and wastes, land use, noise, infrastructure/utilities, socioeconomic resources, and environmental justice. Versar also conducted Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination for Environmental Planning (IICEP) Coordination for the project. An EBS was also prepared for the project to assess historical activities on the property as well as current environmental conditions at the site and surrounding area. Some sampling activities were conducted to investigate an area of concern discovered during preparation of the EBS. Environmental Assessment and Environmental Baseline Survey for Sale of Military Family Housing, Tyndall AFB, Florida. AETC requested an EIA and EBS for the proposed sale of MFH at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Tyndall AFB is considering selling Cove Gardens MFH to Panama City. Versar has been tasked to conduct the EIAP, in accordance with AFI 32-7061. If the findings of the EA indicate no significant impacts, a decision document containing a FONSI will be prepared. The delivery order also includes the preparation of an EBS in accordance with AFI 32-7066. The project will consist of three primary activities: (1) an EBS to include interviews and an aerial/photo records review, and a visual site inspection; (2) an EA that will consist of a planning and scoping meeting and preparation of several requisite documents including a DOPAA, an EA Report and FONSI; and (3) IICEP Correspondence preparation. ecological assessment | watershed managment | environmental compliance | power plant assessment | dredging/army corps | about versar | client showcase | publications | careers | site map | search | contact us home © 2001 by Versar, Inc.