Environmental Permits Handbook

Certain project activities can trigger the need for an environmental assessment (EA) under NEPA. Where the results of an EA warrant, an environmental impact statement (EIS) may be required. In industrial development type projects, an EA and possibly an EIS may be triggered by:

• Significant work affecting federally controlled properties. In Tennessee this is most often work on properties controlled by the Corps of Engineers or Tennessee Valley Authority - usually barge facilities, water intakes, outfall structures, etc.
• Work requiring federally issued permits such as Corps Section 10 and 404 permits or TVA Section 26a permits.
• Project work for which federal funds are used.