How do you write a quality environmental impact statement?

1 Know the purpose and scope

The first step in writing an EIS is to define the purpose and need of the proposed project or action, and the scope of the analysis. The purpose and need statement explains why the project or action is necessary and what objectives it intends to achieve. The scope of the analysis identifies the issues, impacts, alternatives, and mitigations that will be considered in the EIS. The purpose and scope should be clear, concise, and consistent with the legal and policy framework.

2 Identify and compare alternatives

The next step in writing an EIS is to identify and compare reasonable alternatives that meet the purpose and need of the project or action, and that avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts. The EIS should describe each alternative in sufficient detail and evaluate its environmental consequences, using relevant data and methods. The EIS should also explain how the alternatives were developed and screened, and why some alternatives were eliminated from further consideration. The EIS should present a fair and balanced comparison of the alternatives, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

3 Assess and disclose impacts

The third step in writing an EIS is to assess and disclose the potential environmental impacts of each alternative, and the cumulative effects of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. The EIS should use the best available scientific information and professional judgment to analyze the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of each alternative on the affected environment, such as air quality, water resources, wildlife, cultural resources, social and economic factors, and environmental justice. The EIS should also identify any significant and unavoidable impacts, and any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources.

4 Propose and evaluate mitigations

The fourth step in writing an EIS is to propose and evaluate feasible mitigations that could reduce or eliminate the adverse environmental impacts of each alternative. Mitigations are measures that avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, eliminate, or compensate for the impacts of a project or action. The EIS should describe the proposed mitigations, their expected effectiveness, their implementation and monitoring plans, and their costs and benefits. The EIS should also discuss any trade-offs or uncertainties associated with the mitigations, and any residual or unmitigated impacts.

5 Involve and respond to stakeholders

The fifth step in writing an EIS is to involve and respond to the stakeholders who have an interest or a role in the project or action, such as federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, affected communities, and the general public. The EIS should provide opportunities for meaningful public participation and consultation throughout the process, such as scoping meetings, public hearings, comment periods, and newsletters. The EIS should also address and respond to the substantive comments received from the stakeholders, and explain how they were considered and incorporated in the EIS.

6 Follow the format and style guidelines

The final step in writing an EIS is to follow the format and style guidelines prescribed by the lead agency or the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The EIS should be organized into logical sections, such as summary, purpose and need, alternatives, affected environment, environmental consequences, mitigation, consultation and coordination, references, appendices, and index. The EIS should also be written in plain language, using clear and concise sentences, active voice, and appropriate terms and definitions. The EIS should avoid jargon, acronyms, technical terms, and unnecessary details.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?