Environmental Review Page

101 East Capitol, Suite 350, Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682-1611 FAX (501) 682-3991

What is an Environmental Review?

An Environmental Review is an extremely important part of any CDBG Water or Wastewater project. It is designed to document NEPA compliance and ensure that our projects do not adversely affect the environment.

NEPA is the National Environmental Policy Act, an environmental law that establishes a national policy promoting the enhancement of the environment. NEPA was created in 1969, in response to protests against the federal government's destruction of neighborhoods and the natural environment while building Interstate highways. The law has since been applied to any project, federal, state or local, that involves federal funding. CDBG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grants are awarded by the Commission, but they are really federal HUD funds being redistributed by the State, and so NEPA is applicable.

What am I required to do?

NEPA requires a careful consideration of the potential impact of a project on the environment prior to the expenditure of any funds, from any source. Many people think that NEPA applies only to the federal funds being spent, but that isn't the case. NEPA applies to the entire project, not to the funding. This can be an issue, especially when local funds are also used on a project.

Of course, some activities are exempted from these requirements because they do not affect the environment. For example, the environmental study itself, administrative activities or the preparation of an engineering report have no effect on the environment. They are exempted activities Activities such as the acquisition of land, the construction of a facility or the digging of a trench, however, either change the environment in some way or else limit the funding agency's decisions on whether or not to proceed with a project. These types of activities require an environmental review.

The Commission has specific forms you must complete to conduct an environmental review. The Environmental Review Packet includes the necessary forms and instructions, and is available for download as either a Microsoft Word document or as a PDF file by clicking the icons below.

The environmental review essentially informs the appropriate regulatory agencies, and the public, about a proposed project and allows them the opportunity to either stop it or require some sort of mitigation. It solicits information on things you may not be an expert in, such as endangered species, prime farmland or historic preservation, from the governmental agencies responsible for these specialized areas.

Where can I get HELP?

We've made the Environmental Review as easy as we can, with simplified forms and step-by-step instructions. Even so, we realize that they can sometimes be overwhelming if you aren't used to them. The Commission has staff who are experts in NEPA reviews, Floodplain Management and Wetland issues. Please feel free to contact the ACEDP Manager and we will put you in touch with personnel who can assist you.