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 – (Current Phase)
FAA is evaluating Agency and Public comments received during Scoping and beginning to develop and refine project alternatives. The environmental evaluation of the No-Action Alternative, Proposed Project, and other reasonable alternatives that meet the purpose and need for the project and are practicable and feasible will be conducted during this phase. The results of the environmental evaluation will be documented in a Draft EIS that will be released to the public for review and comment. The release of the Draft EIS will be published in the Federal Register and advertised in local media outlets. PBC DOA, the airport sponsor, will publish a Notice of Opportunity for Public Hearing. A Public Hearing will be held (if one is requested) to present the findings of the Draft EIS and allow Agency and Public comments on the Draft EIS approximately 30 days after the DEIS is circulated.
Other opportunities for public involvement will occur prior to the release of the Draft EIS. Opportunities for the public to contribute to the study during Phase 2 of the EIS process will be announced on this website and through other channels.
Phase 3 - Final EIS
The FAA will review and consider all Agency and Public comments received on the Draft EIS and revise the document into a Final EIS. The FAA will select its Preferred Alternative during this phase, and develop the final mitigation program for unavoidable environmental impacts (if any). The Final EIS will be produced, published, released to the public, and filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A Notice of Availability of the Final EIS will be published in the Federal Register and local media outlets. No sooner then 30 days from the EPA’s Federal Register notice, the approving FAA official will prepare and issue the agency’s Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD is a document that contains the FAA’s findings, explanations of the findings, and a decision on whether FAA will provide the approvals and Federal Actions necessary to implement the proposed project. If the project is approved by the FAA in the ROD, the PBC DOA can proceed with the development of the project, pending receipt of all local approvals, permits, and funding. |
