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When to Prepare an EA
An EA will be prepared for all proposed actions except: (1) actions that are
categorical exclusions, (2) actions fully analyzed in prior NEPA documents, and (3)
actions to be analyzed in an EIS. Four types of permit and approval actions require
the preparation of EAs:
 | Permit applications for geological and geophysical survey activities that involve:
- deep stratigraphic tests, as defined or cited by 30
CFR 251,
- solid or liquid explosives, or
- prospecting actions described under 30
CFR 280.
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| Exploration Plans (EPs), and/or revisions to approved EPs if the proposed revision could
result in a significant change in the impacts previously identified and evaluated or
requires additional permits (30 CFR 250.203 and delineation and testing actions under 30
CFR 281).
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| Development and Production Plans (DPPs), and/or revisions to approved DPPs if the
proposed revision could result in a significant change in the impacts previously
identified and evaluated, requires additional permits, or proposes activities not
previously identified and evaluated (30CFR 250.204, and 30 CFR 282.24).
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| Applications for pipelines that go to shore that are not part of an approved DPP or
Development Operations Coordination Document (DOCD). |
In addition to permitting actions, EAs may be prepared for proposed lease sales,
area-wide impact assessment, generic impact assessment, assessment of legislative or
regulatory proposals, and for planning purposes. When appropriate, regions may
consider circulating draft EAs to ensure public input.
For more information, contact James F. Bennett.
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