The information presented here should inform individuals and organizations seeking to determine what level of environmental review is appropriate for their project and provide basic information for conducting whatever review is necessary to comply with all HUD environmental review requirements.

A complete and clear project description is the first step in the environmental review process. The project description should provide location specific information and geographic boundaries, as well as a delineation of all activities included in the overall scope of the project.

Once the activities are known you can determine the appropriate level of environmental review through the following guidance:

1. Exempt Activities found at 24 CFR 58.34, and Categorically Excluded Activities Not Subject to 24 CFR 58.35(b), for which the suggested format is provided
    suggested format
    
2. Categorically Excluded Activities Subject to 58.35(a), for which the suggested format is provided
   suggested format
    
3. All other activities not listed in these sections are subject to requirements found at 24 CFR 58.36 for an Environmental Assessment and the suggested Format for an Environmental Assessment (EA) can guide the preparer through the process and both should be completed
   suggested NEPA format
    
4. In rare instances where the complexity of the project exceeds the scope of an EA, an Environmental Impact Statement may be required according to 24 CFR 58.37. “See the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulation at 40 CFR 1502.10 for a recommended format.”

The following links provide additional information on specific HUD environmental review requirements:

Technical Guidance and Forms
One of the key areas for HUD regarding environmental issues is in providing technical assistance through various guides and forms.