LESSON 2 - SeaTrek Programs

Activity 5.2 Sarasota Bay Ecosystem
Handout 5.2.3
Name: ________________________________
Environmental Impact Statement Government Research Teams
The National Environmental Protection Act requires federal agencies to prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) for major projects. The preparation of an EIS is part of the project planning process to ensure
that all environmental concerns are considered. The EIS explains the project's environmental impact, describes
measures to reduce or avoid that impact, and tries to resolve environmental conflicts with the public.
This study is initiated by the government.
1. Provide a brief description of the existing site.
2. Document the amount of land that will be covered by buildings, parking lots, roads, etc.
3. List the type and amounts of garbage and waste materials that will be produced by the development
and what processes are necessary to get rid of them.
4. Predict any human health effects of the development, as well as any potential impacts on wildlife and
plants in the area.
5. Indicate how the development will affect the surrounding ecosystems (marshes, beaches, forest, wetlands,
rivers, etc.) and the quality of air and water in the surrounding areas.
6. Provide a review of this development's impact on any endangered or threatened species found at the
site. (Check with the BA team for a list of endangered or threatened species at the site.)
7. List the steps the developer must take to ensure that the development does not harm the surrounding area.
8. Taking into account what the development proposes to provide for the local community, can you recommend
any alternatives?
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