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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA)
RETURN TO SERVICES OVERVIEW
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION SCREENINGS
Categorical Exclusion (CatEx) Screenings are performed as the first level of the NEPA process and are performed to determine whether a federal undertaking may be categorically excluded from further NEPA processing. Each federal agency has developed categorical exclusions based on certain criteria for a no significant environmental impact. MartinEnviro can prepare CatEx Screenings according to the accepted format for the jurisdictional agency and has prepared thousands utilizing formats for agencies such as the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Department of Homeland Security. MartinEnviro can also develop CatEx Screening reports and checklists from agency management directives and handbooks for those agencies that do not have existing accepted report formats. Early in the project-planning phase, MartinEnviro can assist you in ensuring that your federal undertakings will qualify for categorical exclusions, thus saving you time and money.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
An Environmental Assessment (EA) must be prepared when a federal undertaking does not qualify for a categorical exclusion. An EA determines if an undertaking will significantly affect the environment, and the jurisdictional federal agency issues a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) when the findings are "no". MartinEnviro routinely prepares EAs according to various federal agency standards.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared when an EA determines that a federal undertaking may have significant impacts on the environment. An EIS provides additional details regarding the proposed undertaking and alternatives. Members of the public, other federal agencies, and other interested parties may request input on the preparation of the EIS and comment on the draft EIS. An EIS may be prepared without first preparing an EA when the federal agency anticipates that the undertaking may significantly affect the environment or when a project is controversial. MartinEnviro can assist in the EIS process from the beginning stages of soliciting public comments through preparation of the draft and final EIS reports.
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SECTION 106 REVIEWS
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) (36 CFR 800) state that federal agencies must take into account the effects that any proposed development project might have on eligible cultural resources and historic properties. MartinEnviro has extensive experience in surveying, evaluating, and managing cultural resource sites and properties. Along with MartinEnviro's experience, our personnel have established strong working relationships with SHPOs throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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TRIBAL CONSULTATIONS
Consultation with Indian Tribes and Native American Hawaiian Organizations (NOAs) may be conducted as part of a Section 106 review or as an independent process for other reasons. Consultations may rely on federal agency procedures, such as the Tower Construction Notification System (TCNS) established by the FCC, or may occur with an individual Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO). MartinEnviro has developed working relationships with numerous THPOs throughout the country, which have enabled MartinEnviro to become a mediator between Tribes and clients when a Tribe indicates interest or concern over a proposed project. In the role of a mediator, MartinEnviro strives to protect the interest of both the Tribe and client.
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MEMORANDUMS OF AGREEMENT
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is often written as a result of a dispute resolution and is typically entered into by federal/state/local agencies, community organizations, and/or the public. An MOA clearly identifies the dispute, mechanism for resolution, and the agreed responsibilities of each party. MartinEnviro can assist you in resolving disputes among parties and determining appropriate mitigation measures. Upon completion of the dispute resolution phase, MartinEnviro can prepare an MOA to be signed by all parties.
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MIGRATORY BIRD AND RAPTOR ASSESSMENTS
MartinEnviro can assist you in the design and siting of your telecommunication projects to reduce or eliminate impacts to migratory birds and raptors. In addition to birds colliding with towers and other tall structures, communication tower, utility, and other companies face issues when birds such as eagles and osprey build nests atop these structures. These nests may limit tower collocations and other structural modifications and maintenance activities. MartinEnviro can ensure that the appropriate Federal and State permits are obtained in order to temporarily relocate or permanently remove a nest from a structure that requires maintenance or enhancement. Additionally, MartinEnviro can organize and conduct large-scale migratory bird assessments to understand a project's potential impacts to a migratory bird corridor.
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HABITAT ASSESSMENTS
MartinEnviro's staff of field biologists can perform Habitat Assessments to determine if the habitat necessary to support threatened, endangered, or rare species is present at a specific location. Habitat assessments are a useful tool for project planning and can reduce and even eliminate lengthy consultations and costly mitigation measures. Let MartinEnviro assist you in siting your next project.
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ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SECTION 7 CONSULTATIONS
MartinEnviro routinely conducts Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 Consultations with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) offices throughout the United States. Acting as a designated non-Federal entity, MartinEnviro can conduct both informal and formal consultations with the USFWS. Through informal consultations, MartinEnviro can assist you in designing your project with minimal impacts in order to alleviate the need for more costly and time-consuming formal consultations. In the event that formal consultations are unavoidable, MartinEnviro can complete the process, including conducting Habitat Assessments, species surveys, and Biological Assessments, and as well as consultation with USFWS.
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