The following are definitions commonly used during an EIS preparation process:
Alternatives Screening
The process by which the FAA and BLM identify and impartially assess a range of alternatives and identify those alternatives that are reasonable and feasible and that satisfy the purpose and need.
Draft EIS
Documents the purpose and need, alternatives screening process, and methods and results of the environmental analysis. Distributed for review and comments by the public; Federal, state and local government agencies; and Native American tribes.
Environmental Analysis
Evaluates the environmental impacts of all reasonable and feasible alternatives.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
A document required by the Federal government under NEPA for certain Federal actions, which documents the environmental impacts of the Project and all reasonable and feasible alternatives. The purpose of the EIS is to provide information to Federal decisionmakers and the public about a Project.
Environmentally Preferred Alternative
As expressed in NEPA, an alternative that will cause the least damage to the biological and physical environment and which best protects, preserves, and enhances historic, cultural, and natural resources, while also satisfying the purpose and need for the Project.
Final EIS
Revised, as appropriate, based on comments made by the public; Federal, state and local government agencies; and Native American tribes on the Draft EIS. Contains all comments and provides response to those comments. Documents the Federal agencies’ (FAA, BLM) preferred alternative.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)
The basic national charter for protection of the environment, NEPA ensures that high quality, accurate scientific analysis and environmental information is available to public officials and citizens before decisions are made and before actions are taken.
Notice of Availability (NOA)
For the Draft or Final EIS or Record of Decision (ROD), a public notice that states that the document is available to the public for review.
Notice of Intent (NOI)
The notice that initiates the NEPA process, that is published in the Federal Register.
Proposed Action
The action (or Project) proposed by the Project Sponsor, the Clark County Department of Aviation, to construct and operate a new supplemental commercial service airport 30 miles south of the Las Vegas metropolitan area in the Ivanpah Valley.
Public Comment Period/Hearing
(approximately 30 days following Draft EIS) Provides opportunities for the public; Federal, state, and local government agencies; and Native American tribes to provide oral or written comments on the Draft EIS.
Purpose and Need
Identifies the reason for the project or identifies the problem to be solved.
Record of Decision (ROD)
Documents the Federal agencies’ (FAA, BLM) decision on the Proposed Action, how the decisions were made, alternatives considered including the Proposed Action, and the environmentally preferred alternative; and discusses what mitigation measures are being imposed to lessen significant environmental impacts.
Scoping
(Completed November 6, 2006) Invited public and public agencies to participate in an early and open process that will determine the issues and alternatives addressed in the EIS.
