Click on the link below to see the scheduled dates of all of the steps in the EIS process (text in bold was done by me for emphasis): https://www.pebbleprojecteis.com/schedule
EIS Schedule
The flow chart on this page shows the steps and expected time schedule of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The Draft EIS will be available to the public via this website on February 22, 2019. The Notice of Availability (NOA) is anticipated to be published in the Federal Register no later than March 1, 2019, at which time USACE will accept comments on the Draft EIS.
What is an Environmental Impact Statement?
An EIS is a decision making process that allows for a full review of public concerns about a proposed project, such as the Pebble Mine Project. A federal agency prepares an EIS so that decision-makers have a complete picture of the benefits and potential environmental risks before approving a project. Just as important, the EIS provides opportunities for tribes, local communities, and the general public to voice your concerns and to understand the potential effects of the proposed project. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires agencies to prepare an EIS when an action may affect the quality of the physical and human environment. The process begins when someone applies for a federal permit for any activity that can affect the environment, including land, air, water, animals, and communities.
Congress enacted NEPA to ensure that federal agencies take a careful look at a proposed activity, including: The ideas and concerns of the public, as stated during scoping meetings and in review comments on the Draft EIS. A range of alternatives, including the no action alternative. A thorough scientific study of current conditions and potential effects.
Preparation of the Pebble Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) level of analysis began in December 2017, when the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) received a permit application from the Pebble Limited Partnership (Applicant). Following the Draft EIS public comment period, the USACE will take several months to address comments, with a Final EIS expected in early 2020.
Steps in the EIS Process
Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS: March 2018 USACE released a Notice of Intent to the United States Federal Register in March 2018. This initiated the process to prepare an EIS and began the scoping process.
Scoping: Meetings and Comments: April 2018 Scoping comments were accepted from April 1, 2018 through June 29, 2018. Public meetings were held at specific locations within the Bristol Bay region, and in Homer and Anchorage in April. Scoping offers a chance for the public to comment on the proposed project and alternatives.
Draft EIS: February 22, 2019 Determining the alternatives to analyze, and then preparing the Draft EIS will happen immediately following the scoping period. The Draft EIS is anticipated to be released for public review and comment in 2019.
Public Review of Draft EIS: Meetings and Comments: March through May, 2019 After the Draft EIS is released, the public will have 90 days to submit comments. During that time, the USACE will plan public meetings, estimated for 2019.
Final EIS: Estimated Early 2020 USACE will assess all public comments submitted on the Draft EIS, and incorporate changes into the Final EIS before release in 2019.
Record of Decision: Estimated Mid 2020 The Record of Decision will lay out USACE’s decision on the application submitted by the Applicant. Three decisions are possible: issue a permit, issue a permit with conditions, or denial of the application. This is estimated to be released in 2020.
