Date:

To: *xxxx*

Lead Agency's Responsible Program Official

And: The Preparers of the (*insert title of the subject EA or EIS*).
(*Names of the preparers from the list of preparers or the project
leaders' names*) [^1]

Subject: NEPA Document Contents Review and Comments:

Reviewer: (*name and title of the reviewer*[^2])

***Directions:** This is a template to facilitate a comprehensive review
of contents that are supposed to be contained in a NEPA analysis. Each
row in the table (below) itemizes a part of a NEPA analysis required by
the CEQ regulations or NOAA Administrative Order 216-6. It is to be used
as a tickler list to check whether all the required parts of the NEPA
analysis were included. The makes notes in column 3. Because not every
item is required for every NEPA document put "not applicable" in column
3 if that item does not apply to the level (EA or EIS) or stage (draft
or final) of the subject NEPA document. If the regulation does apply,
comment (after, carefully reviewing the subject document), about how it
was or wasn't treated in the analysis. The reviewer may write freeform
and should use specific phrases such as "adequate see pages xx-xx", or
"yes, on table xx" to convey whether and where in the NEPA document
those kinds of contents were found. Suggestions for how to improve the
treatment of a contents requirement or where to put a contents
requirement that the reviewer cannot find should also be put in the
3^th^ column.*

*Typographical errors and editorial suggestions may be listed in open
format after the table. Please indicate a page number for the
typographical errors and editorial suggestions so the preparers can find
and fix them.*

*(Italicized directions may be deleted from the memorandum when it is
finished.)*

**General Comments:** *(Summarize general comments about the subject
NEPA document here. Include comments on what is good about the document
as well as noting where it is deficient. Indicate whether, in your
opinion, the subject NEPA document is ready for the next step in the
NEPA process. Depending on the document, the next step in the NEPA
process may be release of a draft EIS for public review, publication of
a final EIS, record of decision, or any number of intermediate steps and
stages in the writing process so be specific.)*

**Specific Comments:** *(If comments are so extensive they don't fit in
the box put them here and use a numbering system to tie them to the
suggestions/remarks box.)*

Table 1. Review guide prepared from CEQ Regulations[^3], [NOAA
Administrative Order 216-6]{.mark}[^4], and Considering Cumulative
Effects (CCE) Under the National Environmental Policy Act[^5].

+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Number range          | *      | **Suggestions/Remarks**             |
| CHAPTER**Contents**   | *Autho |                                     |
|                       | rity** |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | **     |                                     |
|                       | CEQ,** |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | **[NAO |                                     |
|                       | 216    |                                     |
|                       | -6]{.m |                                     |
|                       | ark}** |                                     |
+=======================+========+=====================================+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **Cover Sheet (must   | 1      |                                     |
| fit on one page)**    | 502.11 |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | [5.04  |                                     |
|                       | b.     |                                     |
|                       | 1(a)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Lists responsible     |        |                                     |
| agencies, including   |        |                                     |
| lead agency and any   |        |                                     |
| cooperating agencies. |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Title of proposed     |        |                                     |
| action together with  |        |                                     |
| name of fishery       |        |                                     |
| management plan to    |        |                                     |
| which the action      |        |                                     |
| applies.              |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Name, address, e-mail |        |                                     |
| address, and          |        |                                     |
| telephone number of a |        |                                     |
| contact person.       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Identification of     |        |                                     |
| type of document      |        |                                     |
| (draft or final;      |        |                                     |
| supplemental; EA or   |        |                                     |
| EIS).                 |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| A one-paragraph       |        |                                     |
| abstract of the       |        |                                     |
| document stating      |        |                                     |
| major conclusions.    |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| The date by which     |        |                                     |
| comments must be      |        |                                     |
| received (Draft EA or |        |                                     |
| EIS only).            |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Clearly state whether | [5.04. |                                     |
| it is a separate EIS  | b.2.]{ |                                     |
| or an EIS             | .mark} |                                     |
| consolidated with a   |        |                                     |
| management plan or    |        |                                     |
| amendment, and        |        |                                     |
| whether the document  |        |                                     |
| supplements an        |        |                                     |
| earlier EIS           |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Table of Contents     | 1502   |                                     |
|                       | .10(c) |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | [5.04  |                                     |
|                       | b.     |                                     |
|                       | 1(a)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **Summary (optional   | 1      |                                     |
| for EAs)**            | 502.12 |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Adequately and        | [5.04  |                                     |
| accurately summarizes | b.     |                                     |
| statement or          | 1(c)]{ |                                     |
| assessment.           | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Stresses:             |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Major conclusions     |        |                                     |
| (especially           |        |                                     |
| environmental impacts |        |                                     |
| of all alternatives). |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Areas of controversy  |        |                                     |
| (including issues     |        |                                     |
| raised by agencies    |        |                                     |
| and the public).      |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Issues to be resolved |        |                                     |
| (including the choice |        |                                     |
| among alternatives).  |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Summary table or      | Op     |                                     |
| matrix built from     | tional |                                     |
| issues and impacts    |        |                                     |
| displayed against     |        |                                     |
| alternatives.         |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **1.0 Purpose and     | 1      |                                     |
| Need**                | 502.13 |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Briefly specify       | [5.03  |                                     |
| underlying purpose    | .b.2]{ |                                     |
| and need to which     | .mark} |                                     |
| agency is responding  |        |                                     |
| in proposing          | [5     |                                     |
| alternatives          | .04.b. |                                     |
| including proposed    | 1(b)]{ |                                     |
| action.               | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| List all Federal      | 1502   |                                     |
| permits, licenses,    | .25(b) |                                     |
| and other             |        |                                     |
| entitlements which    |        |                                     |
| must be obtained in   |        |                                     |
| implementing the      |        |                                     |
| proposal              |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Specify why the       | [5.    |                                     |
| proposed action is    | 03.b]{ |                                     |
| required now          | .mark} |                                     |
| (statutory,           |        |                                     |
| operational policy,   |        |                                     |
| new program, etc.)    |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **2.0 Alternatives    | 1      |                                     |
| Including the         | 502.14 |                                     |
| Proposed Action**     |        |                                     |
|                       | [5.    |                                     |
|                       | 03.3]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Based on information  | [5.04. |                                     |
| and analysis          | b(d)]{ |                                     |
| presented in sections | .mark} |                                     |
| on affected           |        |                                     |
| environment and       |        |                                     |
| environmental         |        |                                     |
| consequences, should  |        |                                     |
| present:              |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Environmental impacts |        |                                     |
| of proposal and the   |        |                                     |
| alternatives in       |        |                                     |
| comparative form.     |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Sharply defined       |        |                                     |
| issues.               |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Clear basis for       |        |                                     |
| choice among options. |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Rigorously explore    | 1      |                                     |
| and objectively       | 502.14 |                                     |
| evaluate all          | (a)    |                                     |
| reasonable            |        |                                     |
| alternatives.         |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| For alternatives      |        |                                     |
| eliminated from       |        |                                     |
| detailed study,       |        |                                     |
| briefly discuss       |        |                                     |
| reasons they were     |        |                                     |
| eliminated.           |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Devote substantial    | 1      |                                     |
| treatment to each     | 502.14 |                                     |
| alternative           | (b)    |                                     |
| considered in detail  |        |                                     |
| including proposed    |        |                                     |
| action.               |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Include reasonable    | 1      |                                     |
| alternatives not      | 502.14 |                                     |
| within jurisdiction   | (c)    |                                     |
| of lead agency.       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Include no action     | 1      |                                     |
| alternative.          | 502.14 |                                     |
|                       | (d)    |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Identify preferred    | 1      |                                     |
| alternative (optional | 502.14 |                                     |
| in draft EIS and      | (e)    |                                     |
| EAs).                 |        |                                     |
|                       | [5.04. |                                     |
|                       | b.3.]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Include appropriate   | 1      |                                     |
| mitigation measures   | 502.14 |                                     |
| not already included  | (f)    |                                     |
| in proposed action or |        |                                     |
| alternatives.         |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **3.0 Affected        |        |                                     |
| Environment**         |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Succinctly describe   | 1      |                                     |
| the environment of    | 502.15 |                                     |
| the area(s) to be     |        |                                     |
| affected or created   | [5     |                                     |
| by the alternatives   | .04.b. |                                     |
| under consideration.  | 1(e)]{ |                                     |
| Descriptions shall be | .mark} |                                     |
| no longer than is     |        |                                     |
| necessary to          |        |                                     |
| understand the        |        |                                     |
| effects of the        |        |                                     |
| alternatives. Data    |        |                                     |
| and analyses in a     |        |                                     |
| statement shall be    |        |                                     |
| commensurate with the |        |                                     |
| importance of the     |        |                                     |
| impact, with less     |        |                                     |
| important material    |        |                                     |
| summarized,           |        |                                     |
| consolidated, or      |        |                                     |
| simply referenced.    |        |                                     |
| Avoid useless bulk in |        |                                     |
| statements and        |        |                                     |
| concentrate effort    |        |                                     |
| and attention on      |        |                                     |
| important issues.     |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Structure Affected    |        |                                     |
| Environment around    |        |                                     |
| issues pertinent to   |        |                                     |
| the proposed action   |        |                                     |
| identified during     |        |                                     |
| scoping.              |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Provide explanatory   |        |                                     |
| background of         |        |                                     |
| criteria and          |        |                                     |
| reference points used |        |                                     |
| to evaluate impact    |        |                                     |
| significance in the   |        |                                     |
| Environmental         |        |                                     |
| Consequences.         |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Cumulative impacts:   | 1      |                                     |
|                       | 508.27 |                                     |
|                       | (b)(7) |                                     |
|                       | 1508.7 |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Stipulate geographic  | CCE    |                                     |
| and time boundaries   |        |                                     |
| appropriate for       |        |                                     |
| issues pertinent to   |        |                                     |
| the proposed action   |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Identify past,        | CCE    |                                     |
| present, and          |        |                                     |
| reasonably            |        |                                     |
| foreseeable future    |        |                                     |
| actions               |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **4.0 Environmental   | 1      |                                     |
| Consequences (forms   | 502.16 |                                     |
| scientific and        |        |                                     |
| analytic basis for    | [5.    |                                     |
| comparisons under     | 03.4]{ |                                     |
| alternatives).**      | .mark} |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | 5.04.  |                                     |
|                       | b.1(f) |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Shall consolidate     |        |                                     |
| discussions of those  |        |                                     |
| elements which are    |        |                                     |
| within the scope of   |        |                                     |
| the analysis (should  |        |                                     |
| not duplicate         |        |                                     |
| discussions in        |        |                                     |
| Chapter 2.0           |        |                                     |
| Alternatives          |        |                                     |
| Including Proposed    |        |                                     |
| Action Section).      |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| If the following are  | NEPA   |                                     |
| issues pertinent to   | (1     |                                     |
| the proposed action   | 02(2)( |                                     |
| they should be        | C)(i)) |                                     |
| considered in         |        |                                     |
| evaluating intensity: |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Public health or      | 1      |                                     |
| safety.               | 508.27 |                                     |
|                       | (b)(2) |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | [6.01. |                                     |
|                       | b(2)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Unique                | 1      |                                     |
| characteristics of    | 508.27 |                                     |
| the geographic area.  | (b)(3) |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | [6.01. |                                     |
|                       | b(3)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Degree to which       | 1      |                                     |
| effects on the        | 508.27 |                                     |
| quality of the human  | (b)(4) |                                     |
| environment are       |        |                                     |
| likely to be          | [6.01. |                                     |
| controversial.        | b(4)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Degree to which       | 1      |                                     |
| possible effects on   | 508.27 |                                     |
| the human environment | (b)(5) |                                     |
| are highly uncertain  |        |                                     |
| or involve unique or  | [6.01. |                                     |
| unknown risks.        | b(5)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Degree to which the   | 1      |                                     |
| action may establish  | 508.27 |                                     |
| a precedent for       | (b)(6) |                                     |
| future actions with   |        |                                     |
| significant effects   | [6.01. |                                     |
| or represents a       | b(6)]{ |                                     |
| decision in principle | .mark} |                                     |
| about a future        |        |                                     |
| consideration.        |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Whether action may    | 1      |                                     |
| affect districts,     | 508.27 |                                     |
| sites, highways,      | (b)(8) |                                     |
| structures, or        |        |                                     |
| objects listed in or  | [6.01. |                                     |
| eligible for listing  | b(8)]{ |                                     |
| in the National       | .mark} |                                     |
| Register of Historic  |        |                                     |
| Places or may cause   |        |                                     |
| loss or destruction   |        |                                     |
| of significant        |        |                                     |
| scientific, cultural, |        |                                     |
| or historical         |        |                                     |
| resources.            |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Degree to which       | 1      |                                     |
| action may adversely  | 508.27 |                                     |
| affect an ESA listed  | (b)(9) |                                     |
| endangered or         |        |                                     |
| threatened species or | [6.01. |                                     |
| its critical habitat. | b(9)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Whether the action    | 15     |                                     |
| threatens a violation | 08.27( |                                     |
| of Federal, State, or | b)(10) |                                     |
| local law or          |        |                                     |
| requirements imposed  | [      |                                     |
| for the protection of | 6.01.b |                                     |
| the environment.      | (10)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Whether action may    | [      |                                     |
| result in the         | 6.01.b |                                     |
| introduction or       | (11)]{ |                                     |
| spread of a           | .mark} |                                     |
| non-indigenous        |        |                                     |
| species.              |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Where relevant,       | [5     |                                     |
| consideration of the  | .02.c. |                                     |
| impact of the         | 3(f)]{ |                                     |
| proposed action on    | .mark} |                                     |
| the environmental and |        |                                     |
| health impact on      |        |                                     |
| low-income and        |        |                                     |
| minority populations  |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Relationships between | NEPA   |                                     |
| local short-term uses | (10    |                                     |
| of man's environment  | 2(2)(C |                                     |
| and maintenance and   | )(iv)) |                                     |
| enhancement of        |        |                                     |
| long-term             |        |                                     |
| productivity.         |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Irreversible and      | NEPA   |                                     |
| irretrievable         | (      |                                     |
| commitments of        | 102(2) |                                     |
| resources which would | (C)(v) |                                     |
| be involved in        |        |                                     |
| proposed action       |        |                                     |
| should it be          |        |                                     |
| implemented.          |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| The analysis should   | NEPA   |                                     |
| provide as much       | (102   |                                     |
| detail about          | (2)(C) |                                     |
| alternatives to the   | (iii)) |                                     |
| proposed action as is |        |                                     |
| necessary to support  |        |                                     |
| comparisons of        |        |                                     |
| impacts.              |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Information about     | 1      |                                     |
| incomplete or         | 502.22 |                                     |
| unavailable           |        |                                     |
| information,          |        |                                     |
| including how such    |        |                                     |
| information might     |        |                                     |
| influence the         |        |                                     |
| analysis and          |        |                                     |
| conclusion.           |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Shall include:        | 1      |                                     |
|                       | 502.16 |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Direct effects and    | 1      |                                     |
| their significance.   | 502.16 |                                     |
|                       | (a)    |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Indirect effects and  | 1      |                                     |
| their significance.   | 502.16 |                                     |
|                       | (b)    |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Both beneficial and   | 1      |                                     |
| adverse impacts.      | 508.27 |                                     |
|                       | (b)(1) |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | [6.01  |                                     |
|                       | .b.1]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Possible conflicts    | 1      |                                     |
| between proposed      | 502.16 |                                     |
| action and the        | (c)    |                                     |
| objectives of         |        |                                     |
| Federal, regional,    |        |                                     |
| State, and local land |        |                                     |
| use plans, policies   |        |                                     |
| and controls for the  |        |                                     |
| area concerned.       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Environmental effects | 1      |                                     |
| of alternatives       | 502.16 |                                     |
| including proposed    | (d)    |                                     |
| action (comparisons   |        |                                     |
| under alternatives in |        |                                     |
| Chapter 2.0,          |        |                                     |
| including the         |        |                                     |
| proposed action, will |        |                                     |
| be based on this      |        |                                     |
| discussion)           |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Energy requirements   | 1      |                                     |
| and conservation      | 502.16 |                                     |
| potential of various  | (e)    |                                     |
| alternatives and      |        |                                     |
| mitigation measures.  |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Natural or depletable | 1      |                                     |
| resource requirements | 502.16 |                                     |
| and conservation      | (f)    |                                     |
| potential of various  |        |                                     |
| alternatives and      |        |                                     |
| mitigation measures.  |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Urban quality,        | 1      |                                     |
| historic and cultural | 502.16 |                                     |
| resources, and the    | (g)    |                                     |
| design of the built   |        |                                     |
| environment,          |        |                                     |
| including the reuse   |        |                                     |
| and conservation      |        |                                     |
| potential of various  |        |                                     |
| alternatives and      |        |                                     |
| mitigation measures.  |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Information adequate  | [5     |                                     |
| to conduct an         | .02.c. |                                     |
| Essential Fish        | 3(i)]{ |                                     |
| Habitat (EFH)         | .mark} |                                     |
| consultation. If the  |        |                                     |
| action "may adversely |        |                                     |
| affect" EFH notify    |        |                                     |
| the appropriate       |        |                                     |
| regional Habitat      |        |                                     |
| Conservation Division |        |                                     |
| to conduct EFH        |        |                                     |
| consultation on the   |        |                                     |
| proposal. The EFH     |        |                                     |
| Assessment may be     |        |                                     |
| included in the NEPA  |        |                                     |
| document. If the      |        |                                     |
| consultation has been |        |                                     |
| completed (e.g., for  |        |                                     |
| a Final EIS), discuss |        |                                     |
| the results of the    |        |                                     |
| consultation          |        |                                     |
| including any EFH     |        |                                     |
| Conservation          |        |                                     |
| Recommendations and   |        |                                     |
| NMFS\' responses.     |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Means to mitigate     | 1      |                                     |
| adverse environmental | 502.16 |                                     |
| impacts (if not fully | (h)    |                                     |
| incorporated into the |        |                                     |
| alternatives).        |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Sufficient evidence   | [5.03  |                                     |
| and analysis for      | .b.1]{ |                                     |
| determining whether   | .mark} |                                     |
| to prepare an EIS or  |        |                                     |
| a FONSI (in an EA)    |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Threatened,           | 1      |                                     |
| endangered, or        | 508.27 |                                     |
| candidate species     | (b)(9) |                                     |
| and/or their critical |        |                                     |
| habitat. An ESA       | [5     |                                     |
| Section 7             | .02.c. |                                     |
| consultation is       | 3(h)]{ |                                     |
| needed if analysis    | .mark} |                                     |
| reveals the proposed  |        |                                     |
| action "may affect"   |        |                                     |
| an ESA listed         |        |                                     |
| species. Section 7    |        |                                     |
| consultation may be   |        |                                     |
| packaged within the   |        |                                     |
| NEPA document.        |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Cumulative impacts:   | 1508.7 |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Identify important    | CCE    |                                     |
| cause-and-effect      |        |                                     |
| relationships between |        |                                     |
| human activities and  |        |                                     |
| resources, ecosystems |        |                                     |
| and human             |        |                                     |
| communities.          |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Determine magnitude   | CCE    |                                     |
| and significance of   |        |                                     |
| cumulative effects.   |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Modify or add         |        |                                     |
| alternatives to       |        |                                     |
| avoid, minimize, or   |        |                                     |
| mitigate significant  |        |                                     |
| cumulative effects    |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Issue by issue        | Op     |                                     |
| summaries of          | tional |                                     |
| cumulative impact     |        |                                     |
| assessment findings   |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| List of Literature    | Op     |                                     |
| Cited                 | tional |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **5.0 List of         | 1      |                                     |
| Preparers**           | 502.17 |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| List names, together  | 1      |                                     |
| with their            | 502.18 |                                     |
| qualifications        |        |                                     |
| (expertise,           | [5     |                                     |
| experience,           | .04.b. |                                     |
| professional          | 1(g)]{ |                                     |
| disciplines) of       | .mark} |                                     |
| persons primarily     |        |                                     |
| responsible for       |        |                                     |
| preparing document or |        |                                     |
| significant           |        |                                     |
| background papers.    |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Identify persons      |        |                                     |
| responsible for a     |        |                                     |
| particular analysis,  |        |                                     |
| including background  |        |                                     |
| papers.               |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **6.0 List of         | 1      |                                     |
| Agencies,             | 502.10 |                                     |
| Organizations, and    |        |                                     |
| Persons to Whom       | 1      |                                     |
| Copies of the         | 502.19 |                                     |
| Statement Are Sent**  |        |                                     |
|                       | [5     |                                     |
|                       | .04.b. |                                     |
|                       | 1(g)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Shall be sent to any  |        |                                     |
| of the listed groups  |        |                                     |
| or individuals,       |        |                                     |
| guaranteeing full and |        |                                     |
| honest notification   |        |                                     |
| and disclosure.       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **7.0 Index**         | 1502   |                                     |
|                       | .10(j) |                                     |
|                       |        |                                     |
|                       | [5     |                                     |
|                       | .04.b. |                                     |
|                       | 1(g)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **Public Comments**   | 150    |                                     |
| (Final EISs only) all | 3.4(b) |                                     |
| substantive public    |        |                                     |
| comments or summaries | [5.04  |                                     |
| of comments received  | .c.6]{ |                                     |
| during the public     | .mark} |                                     |
| comment period        |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Responses to Public   |        |                                     |
| Comments (Final EISs  |        |                                     |
| only)                 |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
|                       |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| **Appendices          | [5     |                                     |
| (Optional)**          | .04.b. |                                     |
|                       | 1(i)]{ |                                     |
|                       | .mark} |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Summary report of     | Op     |                                     |
| scoping process       | tional |                                     |
| and/or other          |        |                                     |
| documentation that    |        |                                     |
| scoping was           |        |                                     |
| conducted.            |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Consists of material  | 1      |                                     |
| prepared in           | 502.18 |                                     |
| connection with an    | (a)    |                                     |
| EIS (as distinct from |        |                                     |
| material which is not |        |                                     |
| so prepared and which |        |                                     |
| is incorporated by    |        |                                     |
| reference).           |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Consists of material  | 1      |                                     |
| which substantiates   | 502.18 |                                     |
| any analysis          | (b)    |                                     |
| fundamental to the    |        |                                     |
| document.             |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Analytic and relevant | 1      |                                     |
| to the decision being | 502.18 |                                     |
| made.                 | (c)    |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+
| Circulated with the   | 1      |                                     |
| EIS or be readily     | 502.18 |                                     |
| available upon        | (d)    |                                     |
| request.              |        |                                     |
+-----------------------+--------+-------------------------------------+

Number range CHAPTERPublic Involvement: Preparing environmental impact
assessments under NEPA involves public involvement components. Though
some of the components (scoping, public review, responding to comments)
are structured and applied universally, they that are not readily
translated into a checklist. Demonstrating completion of adequate public
involvement is, however, necessary to any determination of EA or EIS
adequacy. If applicable, make a qualitative evaluation of the public
involvement description in subject analysis. Also be aware that what the
NEPA document describes is not necessarily comprehensive of everything
that took place (nor is it required to be).

Editorial comments: List page number and editorial glitches below
(misspelling, awkward phrase, wrong place name, incomplete sentences,
mistake in sequential labeling, garbled text, redundant section, etc.)

[^1]: Also give copies to those interested in the document such as NOAA
    General Counsel, the NOAA NEPA Coordinator, and the appropriate
    Regional Fishery Management Council.

[^2]: This is a review guide for use by a reviewer that has extensive
    theoretical and practical experience with the Council on
    Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the
    National Environmental Policy Act (CFR Title 40, Vol 24, Parts 790
    to end) and NOAA Administrative Order 216-6. This template is to
    assist an experienced reviewer check a document systematically for
    NEPA requirements and communicate shortcomings to a general
    audience.

[^3]: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing
    regulations issued by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) as
    codified in Parts 1500-1508 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal
    Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508).

[^4]: NAO 216-6 Describes NOAA's policies, requirements, and procedures
    for complying with NEPA and the implementing regulations issued by
    the CEQ and those issued by the Department of Commerce (DOC) in
    Department Administrative Order (DAO) 216-6. The Order incorporates
    the requirements of Executive Order (E.O.) 12898, Federal Actions to
    Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
    Populations. Also, the Order reiterates provisions to E.O. 12114,
    Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions, as
    implemented by DOC in DAO 216-12, Environmental Effects Abroad of
    Major Federal Actions. [Citations from NAO 216-6 in the second
    column of the table are highlighted to distinguish them from
    citations to the CEQ Regulations.]{.mark}

[^5]: Considering Cumulative Effects. Council on Environmental Quality
    Executive Office of the President. January 1997. 64 pg + Appendices.
    (Recommendations in this Handbook are not considered legally
    binding.)