All projects receiving federal funding require NEPA compliance and documentation. The
National Environmental Policy Act is applicable to all federal agencies, including the
military. All projects receiving federal funding require NEPA compliance reviews and
documentation–either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS). An EIS is a report that describes and assesses the potential
environmental effects of a particular action or project in which the federal government is
involved. An EIS for a proposed project outlines, in detail, the proposed actions,
alternative actions, and their probable environmental ramifications. An EA is similar to
an EIS but less comprehensive and is conducted when projects are considered unlikely to
cause a significant impact.
A NEPA document can serve as a valuable planning tool for local planning officials. An EA
or EIS identifies the potential effects of changing military actions or operations. Public
hearings are required for NEPA assessments. Draft reports and findings of potential
effects must be published and subject to a 30‐day public comment period. Assessments
can result in either a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or a Record of Decision
(ROD). The latter records a determination that a project will have a significant impact.
The information obtained by the EIS or EA is valuable in planning coordination and policy
formation at the local government level.
The NEPA mandates that the military analyze the impact of its actions and operations on
the environment, including surrounding civilian communities. Inherent in this analysis is
an exploration of methods to reduce any adverse environmental impact. Environmental
reviews required through NEPA are conducted as a public process that encourages
participation by the community and all stakeholders.
Noise Control Act of 1972
The Noise Control Act of 1972 determined that noise that is not adequately controlled
has the potential of endangering the health and welfare of people. It states that all
Americans are entitled to an environment free from noise that can jeopardize their
general health and quality of life. Along with state, local, and territorial governments,
actions from the federal government were needed to ensure that the objectives of the
Act were met.
Concurrently, military installations were being impacted by encroaching urban
development located adjacent to their boundaries and the resulting complaints from
military flight operation noise. The DoD responded by establishing the AICUZ program,
which was subsequently adopted by the Air Force as AFI 32‐7063.
The Noise Control Act, as well as the AICUZ program, are important because encroaching
development and larger populations near military installations often create compatibility
concerns. As communities grow, it is important that the military installation, developers,
Background Report
4-15