Environmental Impact Reports: Problems and Opportunities

by Robert L. Jones, Pres.; Jones & Stokes Assocs., Inc., Sacramento, Calif.,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1975, Vol. 45, Issue 5, Pg. 71-73


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

The environmental impact report, since becoming a legal requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1970, has become an important part of American planning. Though an effective tool for considering environmental factors, it has some problems. The EIR is most effective when used cooperatively by the engineer and environmentalist at a point when project planning is still flexible enough to incorporate changes, yet well enough defined to determine areas of potential environmental concern. Mitigation measures, to minimize development's adverse effects, are the EIR's most important contribution. Their implementation must be insured whenever feasible, whether through informal public monitoring or legal regulation.

Subject Headings: Legal affairs | Project management | Mitigation and remediation | Laws and regulations

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