Perspectives on Environmental Review

Transcription

1 Perspectives on Environmental Review Region I New England Fall Conference 2016 Martha A. Curran Regional Environmental Officer U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 10 Causeway Street Boston, MA martha.a.curran@hud.gov

2 What I plan to talk about My Role A Couple General Tips RROF Processing HEROS WISER HUD Exchange Questions?

3 My Role (in part, and as I see it ) Help you fund the projects you want to fund with your HUD $$ Training Technical Assistance Monitoring *Note that I cover all of New England*

4 Tip Area #1 Complete project description is key! Make Sure You have the complete project description (including all sources of funding, not just HUD funds) Only then can you determine the correct level of environmental review Remember That The Environmental Assessment level of review is the default level of review

5 Tip Area #2 Tiered Reviews (They re not a piece of cake) Better characterized as a Programmatic Review You have to actually complete the Tier 1 review! You can t just publish the public notice. Must have an environmental review record that evaluates every factor that can be fully evaluated at that point in time, and that defines protocol/procedures for how you will evaluate those factors that can t be evaluated until you have addresses identified Must then have ERRs for individual addresses when identified A separate tiered review must be completed for each different program Generally not appropriate for Environmental Assessment level of review Project description in public notice must be very clear scope, magnitude, location

6 Public Notice Use the right one(s)! RROF Processing Don t publish a Notice of FONSI if it s CATEX level review Calculate the public comment period correctly It starts the day after publication Have an adequate project description The reader should be able to understand the full scope of the project, and where it s located RROF Certifying Officer must sign, or signatory authority must be delegated Signed day after public comment period ends Submit to your CPD Rep and cc David Manganis (david.m.manganis@hud.gov) I no longer play a role in RROF processing (unless there s an issue)

7 The HUD Environmental Review Online System 7

8 What is HEROS? HEROS is a new HUD system that replaces HUD s current paper-based environmental review process with a comprehensive online tool HEROS allows the environmental review procedures you have in place now to be performed online HEROS walks users through the entire environmental review process from beginning to end, including compliance with related laws and authorities

9 Who Uses HEROS? Once fully implemented, it can be used by all Responsible Entities (REs), non-re recipients, and consultants who currently prepare HUD environmental reviews It is currently available to CPD entitlement communities and several HUD programs for Part 50 reviews

10 Why Use HEROS Now? HEROS makes complying with environmental requirements easier by: Integrating guidance with formats Facilitating communication on reviews Helping users manage reviews It collects data that will help HUD improve environmental training and compliance. Use HEROS now and give feedback that will help HUD improve the system and make sure that it works for you

11 How Does It Work? Define the Project Determine the Level of Review Perform the Analysis Finalize Review Post-review Considerations Maintain Environmental Review Record (ERR)

12 Performing Analysis (Summary)

13 RROF 13

14 Notifications For Region 1 you d send to your CPD Rep and David Manganis (david.m.manganis@hud.gov) 14

15 Environmental Review Record

16 Posting to the HUD Exchange Website Part 58 reviews will be posted during public comment periods. Completed Part 50 and 58 reviews will be archived on HUD Exchange for a year for standard reviews and 5 years for tiered reviews.

17 HEROS Rollout HEROS is being introduced to users at different times depending on their program and region As of Summer, 2015, HEROS was (and is) available to all entitlement Responsible Entities HEROS is optional during this extended pilot (initial rollout and training period) HUD intends to make HEROS mandatory within the next two years This is the time to give feedback!

18 Enhancements Coming to HEROS Changes are coming to HEROS in Spring, 2017! Improvements will focus on new user role functionality to accommodate more partners, including Public Housing Authorities Non-profits Lenders Consultants & contractors Making sharing reviews easier Improving the screen Allowing additional mitigation measures New & improved reports Clarifying text and requirements 18

19 Tools and Resources Tools and Resources Include HEROS User Guide How To Videos Frequently Asked Questions Ask A Question Bottom of Page Use this for any HEROS functionality questions/problems with system, etc. Find tools at: 19

20 Need HEROS Access? Complete HEROS Access Form Contact your REO or FEO - A.K.A. me! 20

21 WEB-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS (WISER) Coming Spring 2017

22 What is WISER? Self-paced learning Videos Audio Text and Drill downs Useful Links Site Visit Scenarios Knowledge Checks Credit

23 WISER Modules Coming soon!!! Coming Summer 2017!!! Airport Hazards Environmental Justice Endangered Species Noise Abatement and Control Water Elements Floodplain Management Flood Insurance Coastal Barrier Resources Coastal Zone Management Sole Source Aquifers Wetlands Environmental Assessment Factors/Site Planning Getting Started (Part 50 and Part 58) Explosive and Flammable Facilities Wild & Scenic Rivers Farmland Air Quality Historic Preservation: The Section 106 Process Site Contamination

24 Flow of the Modules Background History Regulations Initial Screening Instructions on how to mapping, using HUD tools, etc. Analysis for HUD s Environmental Review Steps to take Documentation Required Scenarios Knowledge Checks HEROS

25 HUD Exchange Has great resources! Orientation to Environmental Reviews Details on the related Federal Environmental Laws and Authorities and the analysis required for each Suggested formats and sample notices News and announcements

26 Questions?