- Information on the review by the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) can be found here: Federal & State Review – DHR and the links under About the Airports Authority (above).
- NEPA – Environmental Approvals for the CCP (NEPA) – 52
- Portions of the CCP will require approval by the FAA in order to update the Airports’ Land Use Plans and the Airports’ Layout Plans (“ALPs”) or use federal grant funds and are subject to environmental review and approval as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). The nature of the review depends on the potential for a project or a group of interrelated projects to produce a significant impact on the natural or human environment. The four levels of NEPA review are (1) categorical exclusions, (2) short form environmental assessments, (3) environmental assessments and (4) environmental impact statements (“EIS”).
- A categorical exclusion is a determination by the FAA that the action or project falls into a category of actions that the FAA has identified, based on its experience, as having minimal likelihood of causing a significant environmental impact. Examples include replacement of airfield paving and extension of a taxiway. No additional environmental consideration is required for a project that falls within this category unless there are extraordinary circumstances that would cause the project to be reviewed further.
- An environmental assessment is a formal, detailed evaluation of environmental conditions to determine whether a proposed action is likely to have a significant environmental impact. It involves the consideration of alternative actions, and the process includes an opportunity for public review and comment. The two outcomes of an environmental assessment are a Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”) or a decision that an EIS is required.
- A short form environmental assessment is a less detailed environmental assessment. It is used when a project cannot be categorically excluded from formal environmental assessment but when the environmental impacts of the proposed project are expected to be insignificant and a detailed environmental assessment would not be appropriate.
- An EIS is prepared by the FAA when there is a federal action with a potentially significant impact on the environment. Public involvement is required to determine the scope of the environmental review and the issues and alternatives to be addressed. A draft EIS is published for public review and comment, including a public hearing. The FAA then prepares a final EIS and eventually makes a decision on the project.
- NEPA documentation was completed for the majority in interest Concourse E/F – Tier 2 East project at Dulles International Airport, with the FAA issuing a FONSI on January 14, 2022. A programmatic environmental assessment for the majority of the airside CCP projects at Dulles International Airport is underway for Concourse E/F – Tier 2 Center and Federal Inspection Service (FIS) facility, Concourse E/F – Tier 2 (West), Concourse G/H – Tier 3, the Main Terminal Connector, and the South Central Utility Plant and associated apron and taxiways. Receipt of a FONSI is anticipated 12 months following the start of the environmental assessment.
- Some of the CCP projects at Dulles International Airport, including the Concourse E/F – Tier 2 Center and FIS, Concourse E/F –Tier 2 West, South Utility Building, Concourse G/F – Tier 3, Concourse A Extension, TSA Security/Baggage Facility, International Arrivals Building and Main Terminal Connector, Concourse A/B to Concourse E/F tunnel, Concourse E/F to Tier 3 tunnel, Concourse B to Concourse E/F Aerotrain Expansion (West), Concourse E/F to Tier 3 Aerotrain Expansion (West), Fuel Storage Expansion, Terminal Area and ATCT Access Tunnel (South), and Southern-Most Crossfield Taxiway will require NEPA review prior to approval by the FAA. The Airports Authority is currently preparing environmental assessments to address these improvements. No significant environmental impacts are anticipated, and it is expected that the FAA will issue FONSIs for planned projects to meet the anticipated construction schedule.
- Portions of the CCP will require approval by the FAA in order to update the Airports’ Land Use Plans and the Airports’ Layout Plans (“ALPs”) or use federal grant funds and are subject to environmental review and approval as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). The nature of the review depends on the potential for a project or a group of interrelated projects to produce a significant impact on the natural or human environment. The four levels of NEPA review are (1) categorical exclusions, (2) short form environmental assessments, (3) environmental assessments and (4) environmental impact statements (“EIS”).
- DOT/FAA Approval Process – see DOT/FAA Lease: MWAA Lease with Federal Government + Amendments 1-5.pdf
Editorial Section(s)