A tool for predicting environmental impacts, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) can also be used to predict the impacts of natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. This book demonstrates how to use NEPA as a framework to support decision-making. It includes examples that demonstrate how NEPA can be efficiently integrated with other processes such as ISO 14001, P2, and Adaptive Management. It provides proven tools, techniques, and approaches for streamlining NEPA and environmental planning strategies that reduce the potential for controversy and criticism. It is the first text that covers recent changes to NEPA and the new CEQ guidance expected to be issued.
This fully updated, full-color fourth edition of the award-winning Environmental Encyclopedia features approximately 1, 300 signed articles providing in-depth, worldwide coverage of environmental topics and issues. Articles are written in nontechnical language, providing current status and analysis, and suggesting solutions whenever possible. Entries range from 200-2, 000 words and many are accompanied by full-color images and diagrams. Multidisciplinary in scope, the Environmental Encyclopedia is the perfect resource for environmental studies and sciences classes as well as other disciplines touching on environmental issues.
This is one of the most comprehensive books on complex subjects of environmental engineering assessment and planning. Addressing these issues requires an understanding of technical, economic, and policy perspectives; based upon extensive research and practical experience of the authors, these perspectives are thoughtfully and clearly presented. Covered in this book are subjects related to environmental engineering and planning which include environmental laws and regulations, international perspectives on environmental analysis engineering and planning, economic and social impact analysis, public participation, and energy and environmental implications of major public works and private projects. Contemporary issues ranging from climate change to ecorisk and sustainability are covered in a special section as well. Under Contemporary Challenges are environmental issues that have received considerable public support and concern; they include: climate change, acid rain, deforestation, endangered species, biodiversity, ecorisk, cultural resources, and sustainability. For most of these issues, there are scientific agreements and disagreements; there are many uncertainties, thus views differ widely. These topics are discussed in considerable detail. Notwithstanding uncertainties and differing views on such topics, all of this information is put in a policy context such that progress towards addressing these contemporary challenges can be made while consensus on the nature and extent of the problem and resultant solutions are being developed. The book provides considerable information about many timeless issues. These issues range from resources needed for sustaining the quality of life on the planet: air resources to natural resources. Specifically covered are: air, water, land, ecology, sound/noise, human aspects, economics, and resources. For each of these areas, some of the key elements are described so that one can effectively manage complex environmental engineering and planning requirements. Each of the elements are clearly defined and other information, such as how human activities affect the element, source of affects, variable to be measured, how such variables can be measured, data sources, and evaluation and interpretation of data, etc. are provided. Material presented provides a rich source of information so the reader can efficiently and effectively use it to make meaningful environmental engineering, planning, and management decisions. - Help with every aspect of analyzing the environmental implications of a project - Complete coverage of current approaches, practices, procedures, documentations, regulations, and issues related to environmental engineering and planning - Step-by-step directions for preparing environmental impact analysis, and environmental reports - Valuable expert advice on international perspectives, public participation, social and environmental impacts - A comprehensive write-up on contemporary issues ranging from climate change to sustainability - A comprehensive description and analysis of timeless issues ranging from air resources to natural resources
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) introduced the environmental impact statement, transformed decision making by federal agencies, and spurred the growth of an extensive body of environmental law. This book takes a close look at the litigation of NEPA cases, including jurisdiction and related issues, standard and scope of judicial review, and the specific concerns of litigators. It identifies key NEPA issues and offers solutions to the challenges faced in practice, including climate change and its relationship to the NEPA process.
Providing information on the assessment an devaluation of environmental impacts, this study also discusses the fundamentals of preparing crystal clear environmental impact statements. Practical, real-life examples are included, as well as tips for identifying and avoiding potential pitfalls.
Although upwards of 50,000 Environmental Assessments (EA) are prepared annually, the focus of the National Environmental Policy Acts (NEPA) Regulations is clearly on defining requirements for preparing environmental impact statements. Surprisingly, until now, there has been no authoritative and comprehensive guide on how to prepare Environmental As
Poor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) practice leads to poorly planned projects, and ultimately poor environmental protection. Written by recognized NEPA authority Charles H. Eccleston, The EIS Book: Managing and Preparing Environmental Impact Statements supplies focused direction on preparing an EIS, highlighting best professional practices (BBP) and lessons learned from case law that provide valuable direction for preparing legally defensible documents. The book is not about preparing bigger or more complicated EISs—but better ones. Beginning with fundamental topics and advancing into successively more advanced subjects, Eccleston describes EIS preparation as a comprehensive framework for planning future actions, rather than merely a document preparation procedure. He supplies direction for preparing defensible analyses that facilitate well-planned projects and improved decision-making. Discusses EIS document requirements including the Council of Environmental Quality’s NEPA regulations and related guidelines, EPA guidance and requirements, presidential executive orders, and case law Covers how to perform a legally sufficient cumulative impact assessment and how to evaluate greenhouse emissions and climate change Details a step-by-step approach for navigating the entire EIS process that includes all pertinent process requirements from issuing the notice of intent, through public scoping, to issuing the final record of decision (ROD) Includes analytical requirements for preparing the EIS analysis and guidance for performing various types of analyses Provides tools, techniques, and best professional practices for preparing the EIS and performing the analysis Presents a case study that reinforces key EIS regulatory requirements, and integrates lessons learned from this case study with appropriate regulatory requirements The book gives readers a firm grasp of the process for preparing an EIS, including all key regulatory requirements that a legally sufficient EIS document must satisfy. No other book synthesizes all such requirements and guidance into a single source for easy and rapid access.
