Department of
Environmental Quality

An Environmental Information Document (EID) is a written assessment describing the environmental impacts of a proposed wastewater or drinking water construction project. An EID must be completed by drinking water and clean water (wastewater) planning grant recipients who seek federal funding. In addition, before a loan offer may be made to a community for a project on either the DEQ drinking water or clean water fundable/priority list, an EID must be completed.

The EID must identify the major human-made and natural features of the environment that will be affected by the proposed project as well as direct, indirect, short-term, long-term, and cumulative effects. It must demonstrate that the project is environmentally sound and verify that any adverse environmental impacts have been avoided, minimized, or mitigated.

Upon receipt of an EID, DEQ reviews the document and makes a determination whether the EID meets state environmental review process requirements. If so, DEQ may issue one of the following environmental determinations on a project:

• Categorical Exclusion (Cat Ex): Issued when DEQ determines that the actions proposed do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment.
• Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI): Issued when DEQ determines (1) the actions not otherwise categorically excluded will not have a significant effect on the human environment and (2) an environmental impact statement does not need to be prepared.

If the proposed project will significantly affect the quality of the human environment, an Environmental Impact Statement is required.

When a draft FONSI determination is issued, a public comment period is held and the FONSI is then finalized. Cat Ex determinations do not require a public comment period. Listed below are final Cat Ex and FONSI environmental determinations issued by DEQ for drinking water and wastewater grant and loan projects in Idaho: