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Pages 15-36

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From page 15...
... 15 This chapter provides information for Guidebook users regarding considerations, practices, and examples of how to integrate sustainability planning into the environmental review process. Information provided in this chapter is intended for the following audiences: • Airport managers, planners, or other airport staff seeking to gain a general understanding of the process and practices for integrating sustainability planning into the environmental review process; • Airport managers, planners, or project staff responsible for preparing environmental reviews and interested in how sustainability considerations may be incorporated into the review process and document; • Airport consultants or government agency staff preparing an environmental review document in coordination with an airport and interested in how sustainability considerations may be incorporated into the review process and document; and • Airport managers, planners, or other airport staff engaged in sustainability work and interested in understanding how sustainability programs, plans, and initiatives may be used and incorporated within an environmental review.
From page 16...
... 16 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process 2.1.1 Typical Environmental Review Scope Environmental reviews are generally "triggered" by specific actions or events. In the case of NEPA regulations, this trigger consists of any major federal action affecting the human or natural environment.
From page 17...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 17 However, a CATEX still requires review of potential impacts to relevant environmental resource areas. Some special purpose laws encompassed in a CATEX require public engagement or involvement.
From page 18...
... 18 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process Determine the Level of Review. The lead agency will determine the level of environmental review required based on anticipated environmental consequences and applicable environmental regulations.
From page 19...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 19 • Socioeconomics, environmental justice, and children's environmental health and safety risks • Visual effects (including light emissions) • Water resources (including wetlands, floodplains, surface waters, groundwater, and wild and scenic rivers)
From page 20...
... 20 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process environmental review regulation, but the recommendations and processes described are broadly applicable to other environmental review regulations at the state level and internationally in many cases. 2.2.1 Integrating Sustainability Planning During the Environmental Review Process Effective integration of sustainability considerations in an environmental review process largely centers around internal and external communication.
From page 21...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 21 requirement for certain projects' environmental reviews and a best practice for most planning efforts. Additionally, framing the project benefits through a sustainability lens will improve buy-in from community stakeholders, potentially making the review process less contentious while maintaining a positive community relationship.
From page 22...
... 22 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process This is the first opportunity for the project team to introduce relevant sustainability components of the proposed project. Using the EONS framework, the project team should take a holistic approach to examining the proposed project, discussing not only the project's environmental factors, but also its potential economic, operational, and social implications and its benefits.
From page 23...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 23 • If the airport does not have a formal plan or program, pose the following questions: – In what ways does the airport contribute to the local or regional economy? – What are some major efforts the airport has undertaken to monitor and minimize the environmental effects of its operation?
From page 24...
... 24 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process opportunity for the project team to introduce sustainable design elements into the proposed project. Additionally, the evaluation criteria for screening these action alternatives are critical, because they can help differentiate the considered alternatives and justify the proposed action.
From page 25...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 25 All FAA-defined environmental resource categories must be addressed in the affected environment documentation. If environmental resources are not impacted, this too must be stated.
From page 26...
... 26 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process shows the alignment of NEPA environmental resource categories and sustainability resource categories, as defined by SAGA (http://www.airportsustainability.org) and identifies data points and objectives that could be applicable for sustainability planning for the environmental review process.
From page 27...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 27 Hypothetical Example For the proposed parking facility project example, to make sure that the proposed action's direct, indirect, temporary construction-related, and cumulative impacts are discussed with the airport's sustainability goals and targets incorporated, the project proponent should consider the following: • What are the sustainability goals and key performance indicators considered in the existing conditions assessment? – For example, what are the baseline and anticipated impacts related to total energy consumption, GHG emissions, waste minimization, air pollutant emissions reduction, and natural resources restoration?
From page 28...
... 28 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process 2015 San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Administrative Facilities -- FEIR Addendum SFO released an addendum to its Airport Master Plan's Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR)
From page 29...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 29 Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Environmental Data Reports and Environmental Status and Planning Reports For nearly three decades, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)
From page 30...
... 30 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Environmental Data Reports and Environmental Status and Planning Reports (continued)
From page 31...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 31 2.3 Addressing Common Challenges This section provides recommendations for how Guidebook users may address specific challenges that have been identified as being common or recurring. Guidebook users may want to refer to this section as a "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs)
From page 32...
... 32 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process 2.3.3 Integrating Sustainability Planning into an Environmental Review Without a Sustainability Program or Goals If the airport does not have existing sustainability programs, projects, or initiatives in place, it can be challenging for a project team to integrate sustainability planning into the environmental review process. If an airport has not yet developed a formal sustainability program or goals, which is likely at smaller airports or general aviation facilities, the project team should look into existing ad hoc sustainability initiatives that may lend insights into the airport's sustainability commitment and priorities.
From page 33...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 33 2.3.5 Is It Possible to Align Sustainability Planning and Environmental Review Resource Categories? The following categories are representative sustainability categories based on airport sustainability planning documents and FAA interim guidance on sustainability planning at airports.
From page 34...
... 34 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process A project team undertaking an environmental review should work with project sponsors and lead agencies early in the process to identify opportunities for integrating sustainability planning within the environmental review to get their buy-in or support while also avoiding extending or expanding the scope of the project. 2.3.7 Case Study -- Portland International Airport The following case study demonstrates how the Portland International Airport (PDX)
From page 35...
... How to Integrate Sustainability Planning into the Environmental Review Process 35 The environmental review processes and the additional analysis or public engagement required under special purpose laws are quite similar. Most involve a component of public noticing and public comment, and typically require a specific level of in-depth review of impacts on a specific resource or in a specific area.
From page 36...
... 36 Integrating Sustainability Planning and the Environmental Review Process Canadian Strategic Environmental Assessment in Comparison with NEPA Canadian Airport Authorities are required by lease to produce a five-year Master Plan for Transport Canada's (Canada's federal transportation ministry) approval including an assessment of the plan's environmental impacts.

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