The EIS process begins when an Airport Sponsor proposes a project that requires a Federal action, and the responsible FAA official determines the need for an EIS. The Palm Beach County Department of Airports (PBC DOA) has requested approval of Airport Layout Plan (ALP) modifications that include the sponsor’s Airfield Improvement Project. The Airfield Improvement Project includes the widening, extension, relocation, and conversion of a general aviation (GA) runway to an air carrier runway (among other projects). Based on FAA’s experience and guidance, this type of project usually requires an EIS.If it is determined that the proposed project would not result in significant impacts, FAA reserves the right to terminate the EIS and complete the NEPA process using an Environmental Assessment (EA).

The EIS process generally consists of three components or Phases: Scoping, the Draft EIS, and the Final EIS. These phases are discussed further below.

Phase 1 – Scoping

FAA has collected airport planning data from PBC DOA and preliminary environmental information. After the FAA completed the analysis of airport planning data and validated the purpose and need for the project, the Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS and hold Scoping Meetings was published in the Federal Register on January 26, 2007.  Advertisements notifying the public of the EIS and the upcoming Scoping Meetings were placed in the Palm Beach Post, La Palma, and on the Palm Beach County public access television channel. In addition to notification of the public, FAA has solicited participation from local, state and federal agencies that may have interest in the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. Agency and Public Scoping meetings were held on February 27, 2007 at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport. [ public meetings ] The purpose of these Scoping meetings were to ensure that both resource agencies and the public are informed of the project and are able to provide input and comments to the study. 

Agency and Public comments were reviewed, summarized, and compiled by FAA in the Scoping Period Comment Database. The Agency and Public Comments received during the Scoping process were used to help finalize the Scope of Work for for Phase 2 of the EIS process.

Phase 2 Draft EIS

FAA evaluated Agency and Public comments received during Scoping and initiated Phase 2 of the EIS study - preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Using a three-level screening process, the FAA evaluated alternatives to the Proposed Project. The alternatives evaluation process identified three alternatives that were retained for detailed environmental impact analysis (Proposed Project, Alternative 2, and the No-Action Alternative). The environmental impact analysis covered seventeen environmental resources categories (i.e., aircraft noise, air quality). The results of the environmental evaluation were documented in the Draft EIS which has been released to the public for review and comment. Public notice of the release of the Draft EIS was made in the Federal Register, advertised in local newspapers, and through direct mailings. A joint Public Information Workshop and Public Hearing was held on November 12, 2008 to discuss the findings of the Draft EIS and allow Agency and Public comments on the Draft EIS. The comment period on the DEIS closed on November 24, 2008.

Phase 3 - Final EIS (Current Phase)