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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A list of frequently asked questions about the Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Northeast Reliability Interconnect Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Click a question below to see the answer.
Questions about the Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS
What is an EIS?
"EIS" is the abbreviation for environmental impact statement, a document prepared to describe the effects of proposed activities on the environment. The President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In addition, DOE codified separate NEPA implementation regulations. These regulations identify the steps that must be taken in the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS).
"Environment" in this case is defined as the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment. This means that the "environment" considered in an EIS includes land, water, air, structures, living organisms, environmental values at the site, and social, cultural, and economic factors.
An "impact" is a change or consequence that results from an activity. Impacts can be positive or negative, or both. An EIS describes potential impacts, as well as ways to "mitigate" impacts. To "mitigate" means to lessen or remove negative impacts.
Therefore, an EIS is a document that describes the potential impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed action. It also describes impacts of alternatives, as well as plans to mitigate the impacts.
For more information, visit Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS.
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Why is an EIS needed for Bangor Hydro-Electric Company's transmission line project?
The Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS is needed to maintain compliance with Federal laws and regulations that require the Federal Government to evaluate the effects of its actions on the environment and to consider alternative courses of action. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) specifies when an EIS must be prepared. NEPA requires that an EIS be prepared for major federal actions with the potential for a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. DOE has determined that amendment of Presidential Permit PP–89, as requested by BHE, would constitute a major Federal action that may have a significant impact upon the environment pursuant to NEPA. DOE thus intends to prepare the EIS to address potential environmental impacts from the proposed action and the range of reasonable alternatives.
For more information, visit Why the EIS Is Needed.
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What was covered in the Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS?
The EIS addressed impacts associated with a modification of the previously authorized transmission route, as well as three other alternative routes. One of the alternative routes is the originally permitted route, and was considered the No Action alternative (i.e., no amendment of the Presidential Permit). Potential impacts associated with rescinding the Presidential permit was also addressed.
Because the proposed project may involve actions in floodplains or wetlands, the EIS included a floodplain and wetlands assessment, and the Record of Decision will include a floodplain and wetlands statement of findings in accordance with DOE regulations for compliance with floodplain and wetlands environmental review requirements (10 CFR part 1022).
For more information, visit What's in the EIS.
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What alternatives and impacts were addressed in the Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS?
Several alternative routes for constructing the proposed transmission line were considered in preparation of the EIS:
- The Modified Consolidated Corridors Route (BHE's and DOE's preferred route);
- The Consolidated Corridors Route;
- The Previously Permitted Route (No Action); and
- The MEPCO South Route.
More information about the routes is available under Alternative Routes, and a map of the proposed routes is available under Maps.
Under the No Action alternative, the EIS analyzed the impacts associated with "no action." Because the proposed action is the amendment of Presidential Permit PP–89 to allow construction of the proposed transmission line over a different route from that authorized by the permit, "no action" means that the permit would not be amended and that the original permit would remain in effect. This would mean that the proposed transmission line could be constructed only over the Previously Permitted Route.
However, the EIS considered any additional reasonable alternatives that resulted from comments received in response to the scoping process. One alternative already identified by DOE was the rescission of Presidential Permit PP–89. Rescission of the permit would mean that the permitted transmission line could not be constructed. This alternative addressed the environmental impacts that are reasonably foreseeable to occur if Presidential Permit PP–89 is rescinded but no new permit is issued. However, this would not necessarily result in maintenance of the status quo or no environmental impacts. It is possible that BHE and/or NB Power may take other actions to achieve the purpose of this project if the permitted or proposed transmission line is not built.
The following is a list of issues that were analyzed in the EIS:
- Socioeconomic and recreational impacts of development of the land tracts and their subsequent uses;
- Impacts on protected, threatened, endangered, or sensitive species of animals or plants or their critical habitats, including the bald eagle, Atlantic salmon, and shortnose sturgeon;
- Impacts on floodplains and wetlands;
- Impacts on archaeological, cultural, or historic resources;
- Impacts on human health and safety;
- Impacts on existing and future land uses;
- Visual impacts; and
- Disproportionately high and adverse impacts on minority and low-income populations, also known as environmental justice considerations;
- Impacts on air quality;
- Impacts on hydrological resources; and
- Cumulative impacts.
For more information, visit What's in the EIS.
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How long did it take to complete the Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS?
Preparation of the Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS is a multi-step process that includes publication of a Draft EIS, a Final EIS, and a Record of Decision.
Approximate dates for important steps in the EIS process are as follows:
- BHE application to DOE to amend Presidential permit, Sept. 30, 2003
- FR Notice of Application to Amend Presidential permit; 68 FR 61659: Oct. 29, 2003
- FR Notice of Intent; 69 FR 63514: Nov. 2, 2004
- Public Scoping Comment Period: Nov. 2 – Dec. 2, 2004
- Draft EIS Published: August 2005
- Draft EIS Public Comment Period: August – October 2005
- Final EIS Published: November 2005
- Record of Decision Published: December 2005
For up-to-date schedule information, visit EIS Schedule.
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How can I participate in the Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS process?
The public comment period for the Northeast Reliability Interconnect Draft EIS is closed.
The public had 45 days to review and comment on the Northeast Reliability Interconnect Draft EIS. DOE accepted written comments on the Draft Northeast Reliability Interconnect EIS postmarked by October 11, 2005, and electronic comments via the web site received by October 11, 2005.
Interested parties were invited to participate in the scoping process (November 2 - December 2, 2004), both to refine the preliminary alternatives and environmental issues to be analyzed in depth and to eliminate from detailed study those alternatives and environmental issues that are not feasible or pertinent.
For more information, visit Getting Involved.
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