Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
with his assessment of the process driven largely by scientifically oriented
academics and natural resource agency personnel. The environmental anal-
ysis team reassessed the approach and incorporated studies to understand
and predict impacts not only on the cultural resources potentially affected
but also the current way of life for the local indigenous populations. As it
turned out, most of the scientific investigations into marine resources were
directly applicable to potential impact to indigenous subsistence reliant
on seafood. But the study objectives, methods, results, and interpretations
had to be presented in a manner meaningful to multiple publics: commer-
cial fishers; environmental advocates; recreational fishers; and indigenous
people.
4.3.3
Scoping Logistics and Statement
Environmental impact analysis scoping and public involvement in general
vary in level and intensity and have been described as a spectrum (Council
on Environmental Quality 2007). At one end of the spectrum the process is
“informational” with dialogue in one direction and the proponent informing
the public of their intentions. The next step in the spectrum is “Consultation,”
in which the dialogue is in both directions, but there is no commitment from
the proponent. The “Involvement” step includes a commitment by the project
proponent to give the stakeholders a seat at the table and address their con-
cerns. “Collaboration,” is at the other end of the spectrum and the parties are
committed to work together toward agreement on issues. The classic scop-
ing process can be considered near the informational end of the spectrum. At
this end of the spectrum the process is centered on a scoping meeting. This
basic scoping meeting approach as outlined in this section can be consid-
ered the bare minimum for an effective scoping process. Enhancements to the
basic approach are presented in the following section.
4.3.3.1
Basic Scoping Approach
Under the basic approach, in preparation for the meeting or meetings, the
environmental impact analysis team generally prepares a brief fact sheet
consisting of the following:
r Purpose and need statement, and some background information
r Issues already identified
r Potential locations of any action or at least the general geographic
area under consideration
r The proposed action, if determined, and any alternatives under
consideration
r Project proponent contact information
r Date, time, location, and format of scoping meeting(s).
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