There are many steps involved in preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This section offers a brief explanation of the process, illustrated with a flow chart.

First, the purpose and need of the proposed project are outlined. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determines the need to prepare an EIS; when this is decided FAA publishes a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register.

Once the NOI is published, agency and public scoping meetings are held. The purpose of the scoping meetings is to solicit input about the proposed project, including identification of any conditions, studies, plans, or considerations that may be relevant to the proposed development from members of the community, regulatory agencies, elected officials and public interest groups.

During this time, alternatives to the proposed project are identified and evaluated. The alternatives discussion is the heart of the environmental process. The alternatives analysis is conducted to ensure that alternatives that address the purpose and need of the project, which might enhance environmental quality or have a less detrimental effect, have not been prematurely dismissed from consideration.

Once the alternatives and all public and agency comments have been considered, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is prepared. The DEIS is circulated for Federal, state and local agency and public review, and a public hearing is held.

Comments on the DEIS are then addressed, changes to the document are made, if necessary, and a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is prepared. There is a minimum 30-day review period for the FEIS. After this minimum time has elapsed, FAA issues a Record of Decision (ROD) and appropriate action can be taken.