Program of the Month
The EIR program sends recommendations on the environmental impacts of major state projects, such as construction at a state building like the Capitol (above), to the Virginia Secretary of Administration who has the authority to approve the project.
| Project Type | Review Period for EIR |
|---|---|
| Projects at federal facilities | 30-60 days |
| Major state projects (Highways not included) | 60 days |
| Airport construction & runway extensions | 90 days |
| State Corporation Commission applications for utility transmissions and operating facilities | 10 day check for completeness; 60 days to review |
| Intergovernmental review of federal grant applications | 30 days |
| Exploration for and extraction of minerals on state-owned land | 6 months |
| Federal consistency-Projects that affect Virginia's coastal zone (generally the area east of Interstate 95) | 30 days to 6 months |
| Drilling for oil and gas in the Tidewater region | 90 days |
Environmental Impact Review
Long before buildings are built or runways are constructed, the Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Environmental Impact Review has a hand in making sure that state and federal projects in Virginia are protective of the environment.
“We ensure that state and federal development projects are done in environmentally sound ways,” said Ellie Irons, program manager. “We look at direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the environment.”
The EIR program coordinates a comprehensive review of state and federal projects in Virginia. Staff members review the projects to see if effects to the environment can be avoided. If avoidance isn’t possible, then the program may suggest ways to minimize impacts, such as restricting the area that can be developed.
The program operates under nine different state and federal mandates, each with different requirements.
“You can get a lot done through the environmental impact review process,” Irons said. “It has a much broader purview than the permit process.”
Public participation, including comment opportunities or hearings, is required for several types of projects reviewed by the program. When commenting, the public and the EIR program are able to address a wide variety of environmental issues. The program also works to address and resolve issues during the review period.
In general, the program does a preliminary review of each environmental document related to a project proposal and then selects appropriate state agencies, planning district commissions and localities to participate in the review. After receiving and considering comments and reviewing the project to see if it complies with applicable state or federal environmental laws, the program submits its recommendations. The recommendations go to different agencies, depending on the project. For state projects, the program sends the recommendations to the Virginia Secretary of Administration who has the authority to approve the project. For federal projects, the program sends its review comments and recommendations to the agency proposing the project.
One project could require several reviews. For example, the EIR program reviews some federal projects that include a draft and final version of the environmental document as well as a document to determine if the project is consistent with coastal zone management polices.
The EIR program conducts about 400 reviews per year, and for each project, the goal of the review is the same.
“We hope we can do something about making the project better,” Irons said.