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11'"} ('\") r-- CHAPTER II GENERAL APPROACH TO THE WORK ~~ .'-:',A ~~:~;~~~~! ,-. -- -::-_") National Environmental Policy Act The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the basic National charter for protection of the environment. It establishes policy and sets goals, and provides guidelines for carrying them out. Section 102(2) (c) required Federal agencies to act in accordance with the spirit of the law and to prepare an en- vironmental statement on any major Federal action. The m~PA process is in- tended to help public officials make decisions that are based on understanding the potential environmental consequences and take actions that protect, re- store, and enhance the environment. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) published regulations for im- plementation of the act. These regulations, which took effect July 30, 1979, stress concentration on truly significant environmental issues rather than on just amassing information. They also require early public involvement, early availability of environmental information, and consideration of mitigation of environmental impacts. Procedures, page limits, and formats for the environ- mental statements are also suggested. NEPA compliance will be accomplished prior to initiation of construction. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401 as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et. seq.) requires the Bureau of Reclamation to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service on water development projects which could impact fish and wildlife resources. The Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with the State wildlife resource agency, will review proposed Bureau of Reclamation developments and submit a report that may recommend actions to compensate, en- hance or mitigate the wildlife resources. At the present time, the Bureau is not authorized to implement a mitigation plan on salinity units. However, it will develop a fish and wildlife plan in cooperation with the Fish and Wi]d- life Service and the plan will be submitted to Congress to be considered for authorization. The Bureau is required to include Fish and Wildlife Service findings and recommendat ions in the final proj ec t_pl-ari. I"f0t Endangered Species Act The Endangered Species Act as amended in 1978, requir"s developmental agencies to informally consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain lists of species which are threatened or endangered or are proposed for des- ignation as either threatened or endangered and can be found in the project area. The agency will then prepare a biological assessment: evaluating which, if any, of the species might be affected by the project. If potential j eop- ardy to a species exists, the agency will formally consult: with the Fish and Wildlife Service and obtain a biological opinion expressing the degree of jeop- ardy and any reasonable and prudent alternatives to avoid impacts. 9