Multilevel Environmental Impact Analysis - Environmental Impact Analysis: Process and Methods - page 233

r Implementation of the proposed action identified in the original
document is not feasible as planned, and either significant modifica-
tion of the action or reevaluation of alternatives is necessary.
r During planning or design, new information becomes available that
could alter the description of the affected environment, prediction
of impacts, comparison of alternatives, or required mitigation pre-
sented in the original document.
r Once the implementation of the proposed action is initiated, the
existing environmental conditions as described in the original docu-
ment are found to be altered to the point the impact prediction may
be substantially different (e.g., a threatened or endangered species
has moved into the area where none were present previously).
r Issue s lef t opened i in t he for ig i in a l do c u ment be come “r ipe for de c i sion.”
r Courts rule that the preparation of the original document is inad-
equate (e.g., there was no “hard look” at the impacts, decisions were
arbitrary or capricious, or otherwise inappropriate procedures were
followed), and a supplemental EIS must address the shortcomings.

6.2.3 Programmatic and Tiered Environmental Impact Analyses

The programmatic environmental impact analysis process is designed to
incorporate environmental considerations into concept-level decisions with-
out getting bogged down in specific details. This approach is applicable
to a broad-scale program, which will eventually include many individual
projects or actions. A broad-scale analysis is also generally appropriate for
programs, plans, and policies as opposed to individual projects. Typically
programmatic analyses are applied to the purpose and need of a long-term
and/or geographically extensive action. The programmatic analysis usually
focuses on generally defined actions and a geographic area much larger than
that actually required for specific actions and includes only limited details
and evaluation of small-scale site-specific existing conditions and impacts.
A classic example of a programmatic environmental impact analysis is a
National Park or National Forest land use management plan. The manage-
ment plan and companion programmatic EA or EIS for the overall park or
forest plan typically includes:

r The overall purpose and need, including the desired types and mag-
nitude of recreation and other uses of the land.
r A broad-scale scoping process to identify desired uses and stake-
holder concerns on a broad scale.
r A general inventory of the land use types (e.g., forest, open water,
steep slopes) and environmental resources (e.g., lakes, fishing
streams, and rare or endangered species) within the park or forest.