Project Status Draft EIS The FAA and its EIS Contractor are currently preparing the Draft EIS for the proposed developments at the Tucson International Airport. Specific components underway include the Purpose & Need and Alternatives Chapters, as well as various technical analyses for the EIS. |
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EIS Process - Overview
Process Description
Airport development involving federal funds or federal approvals is subject to an environmental evaluation in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. An EIS is the most comprehensive level of environmental review performed by the FAA on airport development projects. The EIS document evaluates the proposed development in terms of consistency with applicable laws and regulations and ensures that the proposed development meets requirements of the NEPA. An EIS is a document that discloses and evaluates the impacts, both positive and negative, of a project with potential significant impacts to the environment.
According to the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing NEPA, "The primary purpose of an environmental impact statement is to serve as an action forcing device to ensure that the policies and goals defined in the Act [NEPA] are infused into the ongoing programs and actions of the Federal Government."
Guidance for the preparation and processing of an EIS for airport development is provided in FAA Order 1050.1E “Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures" and FAA's Order 5050.4B “National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions. ”
