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PEL Implementation
Resource Guide
Alternatives Recommended for Elimination from
Further Study Report:
a report similar to alternatives
recommended report (again, not necessarily required
by NEPA) that must provide detailed data to support
elimination of alternatives from further study. Table 2
shows the data elements that can be used to support
an unreasonable alternative finding.
What Decisions Help
Make the Linkage?
The linkage of long-range plan screening and evalu-
ation of both project concepts and overall plan
scenarios to NEPA alternatives screening is one of
the most important linkages of PEL. This linkage
not only has the greatest potential for stream-
lining the NEPA process, it also shows the local
community and stakeholders that the NEPA process
is acknowledging and, to the greatest extent possible,
accepting the extensive work that was done during
long-range planning.
Every NEPA process should accept the long-range
plan locally preferred alternative as one of the NEPA
alternatives for detailed study unless there is a fatal
flaw that emerged since the plan was adopted. The
locally preferred alternative is the alternative selected
by local decision-makers as the preferred solution to
the identified needs of a corridor. This does not mean
that this alternative will survive NEPA analysis, but
it should be given the full opportunity to be reviewed
as a part of the process.
Unreasonable alternatives can also be identified
during long-range planning and, if properly
documented, can be eliminated from consideration
during NEPA. Rationale for eliminating alternatives
Community/Cultural Resources
What impacts to community resources make this solution
"unreasonable"?
Established communities and neighborhoods
Locally identified special areas (red flags)
Section 4(f) properties
Section 6(f) properties
Public lands
Transporation system needs
Local long-range plans
Natural Environment
What impacts to the natural environment make this
solution "unreasonable"?
What physical constraint makes this solution
"unreasonable"?
Rare natural features
Watershed waters
Threatened and endangered species
(includes critical habitat)
Mitigation sites
Superfund sites
Mapping
Goals/Values
What creates conflict and makes the transportation
solution "unreasonable"?
Adopted plan
Community involvement
Community vision