An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a detailed document that evaluates the effects and alternatives of a proposed federal action that may significantly affect the human environment.
Definition
An EIS is prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act process for a proposed federal action that may significantly affect the quality of the human environment. It describes the proposal, examines potential effects, considers alternatives, and supports the responsible agency’s decision. The work may draw on technical studies and input from agencies, the public, and project sponsors, depending on the action and applicable procedures. For a civil engineering firm, an EIS may involve environmental analysis, documentation, coordination, or review under an agreed scope. It does not itself approve a project, issue permits, or guarantee that an alternative will be selected. The agency determines the review process and decision, while the sponsor and consultants have defined roles. An EIS is also not the same as an Environmental Assessment, which is a different NEPA document. Owners can review NEPA information from the EPA and the Council on Environmental Quality.
How owners use it
- An owner scopes environmental analysis, alternatives review, coordination, and document support as distinct tasks when estimating a project pursuit.
- A project manager tracks EIS milestones alongside design and agency review dates to identify schedule dependencies.
- A firm budgets 120 hours for EIS support at $150 per hour: 120 × $150 = $18,000.
- An owner identifies which tasks are consultant deliverables and which decisions remain with the responsible agency.
