What is an Environmental Review?

Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAW)
A document providing basic information about a project that may have the potential for significant environmental effects; the EAW is prepared by the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) and used by the RGU to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement should be prepared.

Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
A thorough study of each project that has the potential for significant environmental impacts. This includes evaluation of alternatives and mitigation plans.

Alternative Urban Areawide Reviews (AUAR)
A hybrid of the EAW and EIS review processes, the AUAR uses a standard list of questions adapted from the EAW providing a level of analysis, of typical urban area impacts, comparable to an EIS. The review’s key feature is that its subject is a development scenario, or several scenarios, for an entire geographical area rather than a specific project.

For further, in-depth information concerning the Environmental Review process, please visit the following website: http://www.eqb.state.mn.us