The public scoping process is the initial step in the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The scoping process identifies:

1. Range of actions;
2. Alternatives, including those to be explored and evaluated, and those that may be eliminated; and
3. Range of environmental impacts.

As a part of the scoping process, formal scoping meetings are held to provide the opportunity for Federal, state and local agencies as well as the interested public to provide comments on the proposed actions.

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 and regulatory agencies.

Written comments are accepted for a period of about 45 days (beginning with the publication of the Notice of Intent). The transcript and any written comments received are carefully considered in establishing the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement and are made a part of the administrative record.

Go to Tier 2 EIS Scoping page