Environmental review is the process of evaluating a proposed action’s potential environmental effects under applicable procedures.
Definition
Environmental review may involve gathering information, studying effects, comparing alternatives, coordinating with agencies, and documenting decisions. The required process depends on the project sponsor, funding, location, type of action, and applicable federal, state, or local rules. A civil engineering firm may provide technical studies, environmental documentation, or coordination under its contract, while the lead agency or project sponsor may retain decision responsibilities. The term does not refer to one universal study or approval, and it is not itself a permit. Federal review under the National Environmental Policy Act is one specific framework, but not every project follows that process. Review findings can influence alternatives, design assumptions, permitting, and schedules. The EPA provides information on environmental laws and review processes, while project teams confirm the specific procedures that apply to their work.
How owners use it
- Identify review steps and responsible parties early when a project has agency involvement or environmental constraints.
- Include required studies, alternatives analysis, coordination, and documentation in the agreed scope where applicable.
- Track environmental review milestones as dependencies for design decisions, permits, or funding approvals.
- A project team lists agency coordination and environmental documentation as scheduled tasks because review steps precede a later project decision.
