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Draft RMP/EIS

Draft RMP/EIS. Objectives. Write a draft land use plan and EIS. Issue a draft land use plan and EIS for public review. General Considerations in EIS Preparation. Administrative record Emphasis on alternatives No post-hoc rationalization Interdisciplinary emphasis Tiering

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Draft RMP/EIS

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  1. Draft RMP/EIS

  2. Objectives • Write a draft land use plan and EIS. • Issue a draft land use plan and EIS for public review.

  3. General Considerations in EIS Preparation • Administrative record • Emphasis on alternatives • No post-hoc rationalization • Interdisciplinary emphasis • Tiering • Incorporation by reference • Special rules for incomplete, unavailable information • “Hard look” doctrine

  4. General Considerations in EIS Preparation(Cont.) • Scientific methodology, accuracy • Analytic emphasis • Conciseness • Writing style

  5. Content Requirements for Draft RMP/EIS • Abstract • Cover sheet or title page • Dear reader letter • Protest procedures • Summary BLM NEPA Handbook, Chapter 9; CEQ NEPA Regs 40 CFR 1502.10; BLM Planning Handbook, Appendix F-4

  6. Content Requirements for Draft RMP/EIS (Cont.) • Table of contents • Introduction (includes purpose and need, planning area, scoping issues, planning criteria, planning process, related plans, policy, overall vision) • Alternatives (includes alternatives considered but not analyzed, comparison tables) • Affected environment (see definition of “human environment” in CEQ Regulations)

  7. Content Requirements for Draft RMP/EIS (Cont.) • Environmental consequences (same outline as affected environment) • Consultation and coordination (collaborators, list of preparers) • Appendices • Glossary, references, index, abbreviations and acronyms

  8. Internal Review of Draft RMP/EIS • BLM must independently review consultant- and partner-produced products. • Be aware of pros and cons of having cooperating agencies and other partners participate in the internal review. • Discuss FOIA issues associated with non-BLM reviews. • Allocate ample time for state office and Washington office briefings and reviews. • Consider briefing your Congressional delegation.

  9. Document Format Issues • ePlanning will determine document format. • BLM RMPs integrate plan and EIS into 1 document. • Use clear and succinct writing style: develop style guide. • Use table, graphs, maps, white space, etc. • Use technical appendices. • Plan decisions vs implementation decisions (See BLM Planning Handbook p 30.)

  10. Tips for Effective RMP/EIS Summary • Limit to 10-15 pages. • Use plain English. • Focus on significant effects, alternatives comparison, and major conclusions of the analysis. • Use graphics and tables. • Use bullets. • Identify areas of controversy and unresolved issues. • Budget sufficient time and resources.

  11. Legal Requirements for Public Notice and Review of Draft Plan and EIS • Who must receive notice: • Federal agencies with jurisdiction/expertise, • Agencies requesting notice, • Tribes, state and local agencies • Public • Draft EIS must be filed with EPA, which issues weekly Federal Register Notice.

  12. Legal Requirements for Public Notice and Review of Draft Plan and EIS (cont.) • Methods of public notice • Federal Register • Press release • Local publications • Requirement for public meeting • Timeline: minimum 90-day review period • Roles of BLM state office and Washington office • FOIA language for privacy (Planning Handbook p 4) CEQ NEPA Regulations 40 CFR 1506.6(c)

  13. EPA Review of Draft EIS • Impacts of Proposed Action • LO—lack of objection • EC—concern • EO—objections • EU—unsatisfactory • EIS adequacy • 1—adequate • 2—insufficient information • 3—inadequate

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