After the level of environmental review has been determined, the next step is to complete the environmental review document. If you have any questions related to the environmental review process, you may contact the HCD Environmental Services Team.
All environmental reviews require analysis of at least some of the Federal Laws and Authorities. Analysis of each Federal Law and Authority requires completion of the appropriate HUD worksheet that must be attached to your environmental document. HUD worksheets have been developed for either “Responsible Entities” or “Partner”.
Responsible Entity is the state (HCD) or local government that assumes responsibility for the environmental review.
Partners include applicants, consultants, contractors, nonprofits, and public housing authorities who assist with the environmental review process but may not legally take responsibility for completing the environmental review.
If your project requires agency consultation and you are not the responsible entity, please reach out to HCD’s Environmental Services Team.
Please note: Agency consultation letters must be sent by the responsible entity and may not be sent by a partner. Each of the following links provides guidance and templates that should be used during your environmental review preparation process.
Analyzing Federal Laws and Authorities
The best environmental reviews consistently use the latest available resources as a guide. The HUD Exchange – Related Federal Laws and Authorities website provides the most up to date information and should be used as a step by step guide for analysis of each topic, including:
- Air Quality
- Airport Hazards
- Coastal Barrier Resources
- Coastal Zone Management
- Endangered Species
- Environmental Justice
- Farmlands Protection
- Flood Insurance
- Floodplain Management
- Historic Preservation
- Noise Abatement and Control
- Site Contamination
- Sole Source Aquifers
- Wetlands Protection
- Wild and Scenic Rivers
Prior to analyzing each topic you should review the information presented on the HUD Exchange, use it as a guide and resource, and download the appropriate worksheet. HCD has prepared a guide on How to Prepare a HUD Worksheet (PDF)
The HUD Exchange – Evaluating Impacts for Environmental Assessment should be referenced before the EA Factors and Categories section is prepared. At the HUD Exchange, you will find eGuides for Land Development, Socioeconomic, Community Facilities and Services, Natural Features, and Climate and Energy.
Evaluating the impacts for the EA categories is based on relevant information and analysis and the preparer can make a determination using one of four codes: 1) Minor beneficial impact; 2) No impact anticipated; 3) Minor adverse impact; or 4) Significant or potentially significant impact.