Environmental Reviews for Outreach 

Cooperative Agreements and Grants

Overview

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) must 

conduct environmental reviews for all actions, 

including activities accomplished through 

cooperative agreements and grants. The 

review process considers the environmental 

effects of proposed projects that is required 

by the National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act 

(NHPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and 

other laws.

Environmental Reviews 

for Outreach Cooperative 

Agreements and Grants 

Cooperative agreements and grants may 

impact larger geographic landscapes than 

most FSA actions so a phased approach to 

environmental compliance is often needed. 

The first phase of environmental review 

involves FSA performing a programmatic 

environmental review to analyze the potential 

impacts of implementing the program. In some 

cases, this may necessitate the development 

of a programmatic environment assessment 

(PEA). The PEA is a concise document 

evaluating potential effects of the funding 

opportunity and defines the site-specific 

environmental review process. 

Site-specific environmental reviews 

determine if adverse impacts to the 

environment are anticipated and provides 

requirements to avoid, minimize, or 

mitigate environmental impacts prior 

to implementing activities. The sitespecific review is a less detailed document 

demonstrating the action can either be 

categorically excluded from requiring 

further analysis, or fits within the scope 

of the PEA, or will require elevated 

environmental review due to potential 

impacts on known protected resources.

For More 

Information

For more information on 

FSA programs, eligibility 

and related information, 

visit fsa.usda.gov. To 

locate your local FSA 

office, visit: farmers.gov/

service-locator. 

This fact sheet is provided 

for informational purposes 

only; other restrictions or 

requirements may apply. 

Consult your local FSA office 

for details. 

MARCH 2024

Site-Specific 

Environmental Reviews:

Protect Natural and 

Cultural Resources

The site-specific environmental review 

addresses natural and cultural resources 

under Federal protection, including but not 

limited to:

 Threatened and Endangered Species

 Migratory Birds

 Cultural and Historic Resources

 Wetlands and Floodplains

 Air and Water Quality

Require Involvement from 

Consulting Parties

Environmental laws such as the 

Endangered Species Act and National 

Historic Preservation Act require 

consultation for activities taken with 

Federal funding. These requirements often 

involve providing the project information 

and a corresponding site map to state, 

Tribal, and Federal agencies. While the 

consultation process varies based on the 

applicable law, it typically takes at least 30 

days to complete the consultation process. 

This timeline is an important consideration 

for activities that require site-specific 

environmental reviews. 

Take Additional Time to 

Complete

Many factors influence the time it will take 

to complete the site-specific environmental 

review – the complexity of the project, 

effects on protected resources, and level 

of engagement needed from consulting 

parties. Understanding consultation or 

permitting requirements early in the 

process helps reduce potential delays.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS FOR OUTREACH COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND GRANTS – MARCH 2024 2

fsa.usda.gov

Roles and Responsibilities of the Site-Specific 

Environmental Review Process

Process

FSA Partner Producer

Responsibility

Identify agreement activities 

requiring a site-specific 

environmental review. 

X

Identify specific proposed activities 

that meet site-specific environmental 

review criteria once location 

information is known.

X

Provide a detailed description of the 

activity. X X

Develop site-specific environmental 

review documentation. X

Perform required consultations with 

regulatory agencies for potentially 

impacted protected resources (i.e., 

Tribes, State Historic Preservation 

Officer (SHPO), U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service).

X

Obtain all necessary permits (i.e., 

stormwater permit, floodplain 

development permit, right of way 

access, etc.)

X X

Finalize and approve site-specific 

environmental review. X

Provide written notification of 

approval and permission to proceed. X

Implement proposed activity once 

the site-specific environmental 

review is complete and written 

approval is received from FSA. 

X X

Tips for Success

 Do not begin any activities (i.e., 

site prep, grading, or material 

delivery) associated with an 

action or project that needs a 

site-specific analysis prior to 

FSA providing the cooperator 

with written notification that the 

environmental review has been 

completed. Beginning work prior 

to completing the environmental 

review may result in violation of 

the terms and conditions of the 

agreement and require funds to 

be returned.

 Provide as much detailed 

information as possible. In many 

cases this includes site plans, 

maps of the proposed activities, 

engineering designs, permits, 

etc. These additional details can 

eliminate unnecessary hurdles 

resulting from a change in scope 

later in the environmental review 

process. 

 Identify when similar activities 

will be performed within the 

localized geographic area to 

streamline the environmental 

review process.

How to Get Started

The FSA Grants Management 

Specialist responsible for the 

agreement will provide details 

regarding the activities that will 

require additional environmental 

review. 

fsa.usda.gov