prepare a full report which contains 20 pages of report and prepare a PowerPoint presentation EIS about any construction project in US

Overview

Part of the course requirements is the preparation and presentation to the class of a critique of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The purposes of this assignment are to review and become knowledgeable of an EIS, assess the document with regards to compliance with the requirements of an EIS, to work as part of a 2 or 3-person team, and to present a summary of the EIS and your critique to the class as a group. Due to the size of a typical EIS and the complexity of the environmental issues, rather than preparing one critique each; you will work in a team with each team member preparing a critique of part of the EIS. Each person will be responsible for contributing a written part to the group report and presenting their part of the critique to the class. You may decide within your group how to divide the work to create one unified document and deliver one combined presentation

Deliverables

Deliverables for the assignment include one written critique per group including a summary of the EIS identifying the purpose and need, the proposed action, alternatives to the proposed action, major environmental issues, and techniques used in the environmental analysis. Where a decision on the proposed action has been made, summarize the selected alternative and any mitigation measures proposed. Decide within your group how to share the work making every effort to have the work evenly distributed.

Analysis of the EIS should include general compliance with NEPA and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations. Review the EIS against the regulations and determine if the document meets those requirements. Identify strengths and weaknesses as a tool for learning for us all.

Additionally, you will present your critique to the class as a group using some type of visual aids such as a PowerPoint presentation. Presentations should last approximately 5 to 7 minutes per student. The presentations should be coordinated so that team members do not present duplicate material.

Submit electronic copies of the critique and the PowerPoint presentation.

Project Selection

The EIS critique should be on a topic of interest to your group. Please contact me as soon as possible if you are having difficulty locating or selecting an EIS. Note that EISs are usually found under the agency responsible for their preparation.

Assessment

Grades will be based on the following:

Format

The written portion of the critique is expected to be 5 – 10 pages per student inclusive of lists, matrices, maps, graphics, and references. Cover sheets and table of contents do not count toward the page expectations. The class presentation should last approximately 5 – 7 minutes per student and should include visual aids (e.g., PowerPoint). The use of graphics or other summaries is encouraged. Electronic copies of the critique and the PowerPoint must be submitted.