fss-mini-rag-github/development-compliance-research/environmental_impact_requirements.md

Environmental Impact Assessment Requirements

Mixed-Use Development Projects

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

Required for all projects exceeding:

• 2 acres of development
• 50 residential units
• 25,000 sq ft of commercial space

Assessment Components:

• Historical land use review dating back 50 years
• Review of environmental databases (CERCLIS, RCRA, UST)
• Site reconnaissance and photographic documentation
• Interviews with knowledgeable parties
• Assessment of recognized environmental conditions (RECs)

Phase II Environmental Assessment Triggers

Required when Phase I identifies:

• Former gas stations or automotive facilities within 500 feet
• Dry cleaning operations (historical or current)
• Industrial facilities with chemical storage
• Underground storage tanks (active or abandoned)
• Soil or groundwater contamination potential

Wetland Delineation Requirements

Mandatory assessment if site contains:

• Seasonal water accumulation areas
• Hydric soils indicators
• Wetland vegetation communities
• Areas within 100 feet of water bodies

Process Requirements:

• Professional wetland scientist evaluation
• Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional determination
• 404 permit application if impacts exceed 0.1 acres
• Mitigation banking or on-site compensation plans

Stormwater Management Compliance

Post-Construction Requirements:

• Retention of first 1.2 inches of rainfall on-site
• Peak discharge rates not to exceed pre-development conditions
• Water quality treatment for 90% of annual runoff
• Long-term maintenance agreements with approved entities

Green Infrastructure Requirements:

• Minimum 30% of stormwater managed through green infrastructure
• Permeable pavement for minimum 25% of parking areas
• Bioretention areas sized for 10-year storm events
• Tree canopy coverage of 40% within 10 years

Air Quality Impact Analysis

Required for projects with:

• More than 500 vehicle trips per day
• Parking for 200+ vehicles
• Commercial uses generating odors or emissions

Assessment Components:

• Mobile source emission calculations
• Construction dust control plans
• Indoor air quality considerations for residential units
• Compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Noise Impact Assessment

Trigger Levels:

• Projects within 1,500 feet of highways or arterial roads
• Mixed-use with late-night commercial operations
• Loading docks or mechanical equipment on-site

Standards:

• Residential areas: 55 dB daytime, 45 dB nighttime
• Commercial areas: 65 dB daytime, 55 dB nighttime
• Mitigation required if increases exceed 3 dB over ambient

Historic and Cultural Resource Review

Section 106 Review Required:

• Properties 50+ years old within 0.5 miles
• Areas of known archaeological significance
• Traditional cultural properties consultation with tribal authorities

Documentation Requirements:

• Historic structures report
• Archaeological survey (if ground disturbance >1 acre)
• Tribal consultation documentation
• State Historic Preservation Office coordination

Soil and Groundwater Assessment

Contamination Screening:

• Lead paint analysis for structures built before 1978
• Asbestos survey for buildings constructed 1940-1980
• Petroleum hydrocarbon testing near former fuel facilities
• Heavy metals analysis in urban brownfield areas

Remediation Thresholds:

• Residential soil standards apply to all residential components
• Groundwater monitoring required if contamination detected
• Vapor intrusion assessment for volatile compounds
• Institutional controls may be required for contained contamination

Wildlife and Habitat Protection

Protected Species Assessment:

• Endangered species habitat surveys during breeding seasons
• Migratory bird nesting surveys (March-August)
• Tree surveys for protected or heritage specimens
• Pollinator habitat preservation requirements

Construction Environmental Controls

Erosion and Sediment Control:

• SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) required
• Daily inspection and maintenance logs
• Stabilization within 7 days of final grade
• Temporary seeding for areas disturbed >30 days

Dust Control Measures:

• Water application during dry conditions
• Stabilized construction entrances
• Vehicle tracking prevention
• Air quality monitoring during demolition

Timeline and Compliance

Assessment Timeline:

• Phase I ESA: 30-45 days
• Phase II ESA (if required): 60-90 days
• Wetland delineation: 45-60 days
• Species surveys: Season-dependent (3-6 months)

Regulatory Approvals:

• EPA coordination: 90-120 days
• Army Corps 404 permit: 6-12 months
• State environmental permits: 60-90 days
• Local environmental review: 30-60 days