Before USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) can assist 

you with a project, we must conduct an environmental 

compliance review. The review considers the 

environmental effects of any upcoming projects and 

is required by the National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 

Endangered Species Act (ESA), and other laws.

Kinds of Projects Requiring 

Environmental Reviews

Environmental reviews are required for all USDA 

program eligibility, including disaster assistance projects. 

Projects requiring an environmental review may include 

things like constructing or repairing farm and ranch 

related buildings and infrastructures such as barns, 

fences, wells, and waste and crop storage facilities. Other 

projects may involve conservation projects, providing or 

guaranteeing loans, disaster recovery or even purchasing 

or expanding operations.

Fact Sheet

June 2021

Environmental Reviews

Environmental Reviews:

Are Not Optional

NEPA, ESA, NHPA, and others all require Federal 

agencies to assess the environmental effects of proposed 

projects before approving Federal program or loan funds.

Protect Natural and Cultural Resources

The environmental review will address natural and cultural 

resources under federal protection, including:

• Threatened and Endangered Species

• Wetlands and Floodplains

• Wild and Scenic Rivers

• Coastal Barriers and Coastal Zones

• Air and Water Quality

• Cultural and Historic Resources

Take Varying Times to Complete

Many factors influence the time it will take to complete the 

review -- the complexity of the project, effects on protected 

resources, and level of environmental review needed. 

Sharing any related permits, plans, or other documents 

early in the process will expedite the review. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS - JUNE 2021

Your Responsibilities

• Check with FSA before starting any projects. 

• Do not begin any project before an environmental 

review has been completed and the project is 

approved in writing. Doing so may result in loss of 

loan or program eligibility.

• Attend a preliminary planning meeting if offered.

• Provide USDA with complete and detailed 

information and documents.

• Submit applications, permits, and plans early.

• Work cooperatively with regulators and other 

agencies.

• Applicants may be asked to pay for such items as:

• Universal Commercial Code (UCC) filings

• Appraisals

• Cultural Resource Surveys 

How to Get Started 

Contact your local USDA Service Center early in your 

planning process and before you start any project that 

will use Federal program or loan funds. You can find 

the telephone number and address of your local service 

center at farmers.gov/service-locator.

Staff at your local service center may schedule a 

meeting to start the environmental review process. We 

will want to know about your plans, including what 

you’re asking FSA to support, as well as the parts of the 

project you and other parties will fund.

For More Information 

Visit your local USDA Service Center, which you can 

find at farmers.gov/service-locator, or see fsa.usda.

gov/programs-and-services/environmental-culturalresource/.