ARP SOP No. 5.00 SOP for CATEX Determinations Effective Date: Oct. 01, 2014 February 2016
Important Points to Note: FAA recently established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for CatEx Determinations and it became effective on October 1, 2015. The purpose of the SOP is to provide written instructions, following existing guidance, that detail necessary processes & procedures that assure consistent application of agency policy. 2
Important Note If you are requesting Discretionary funds for a project, your environmental evaluation must be in an approved FAA format (i.e. If you and GDOT determine the project should be a documented CatEx, you MUST use the CatEx found in the SOP). 3
SOP for CatEx Determinations You can find the CatEx SOP and the Documented CatEx Form (MS Word) at this link for your use. http://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/sops/ This form will be the latest and greatest each time you use it from this site. 4
CATEX Definitions Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) Simple Written Record: this determination is appropriate when the action is one of those listed in FAA Order 1050.1E, paragraphs 307-312, and clearly does not involve the Extraordinary Circumstances defined in paragraph 304 of that Order. Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) Documented CATEX (Form @ ARP SOP No. 5.00, Appendix A): this determination is appropriate when the action is listed in FAA Order 1050.1E, paragraph 307-312, and additional information/documentation must be gathered and assessed by the FAA in order to determine that the action does not have the potential for individual or cumulative significant impacts to those listed extraordinary circumstances at 304a. 304k. 5
Process Flowchart: Is the project listed in the Environmental Order as a potential CATEX? See Order 1050.1E, paragraph 307-312 and Order 5050.4B, Tables 6-1 and 6-2. No Conduct an EA or EIS. Yes Is this the type of project that may involve extraordinary circumstances? Consult with FAA Environmental Protection Specialist and see Order 5050.4B, Table 6-2 and 6-3. No Complete simple written record as described in paragraph 7.1 of this SOP. Yes Does review of project-specific data indicate extraordinary circumstances are present or remain unresolved? No Prepare documented CATEX for Responsible FAA Official signature Documented CATEX. Yes Conduct an EA or EIS. 6
Implementation FORMAT, continued 1. Simple Written Record Meets the definition of CATEXs listed in 1050 par. 307-312 Clearly does not involve extraordinary circumstances Includes (but is not limited to) the projects listed in 5050.4B, Table 6-1 OR 2. Documented CATEX (Appendix A) 7
Documented CATEX or not? Planning Grants Equipment Purchase Pavement Repair (grading or haul road in sensitive areas?) Airfield Lighting (cable trenches?) Pavement/Building Expansion (is new construction at or above the previous depth of disturbance? Has bldg been evaluated for NR Eligibility?) New Pavement or Building (H&Arch., new operations?) On-Airport Tree Removal (rare species, grubbing?) Minor Runway Extension (new operations, public controversy?) New Fuel Farm (EA required, no CATEX listed) Major Runway Extension (EA required, no CATEX listed) 8
Review 20 Extraordinary Circumstances National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) resources Department of Transportation Act Section 4(f) and 6(f) resources Natural, Ecological or Scenic Resources (6) Disruption of an Established Community (2) Surface Transportation Noise Air Quality Water Quality Highly Controversial on Environmental Grounds Inconsistent with Federal, State, Tribal or Local Law Lighting, Visual, Hazardous Materials, Construction Impacts (4) 9
Signatures Preparer contact information and signature Sponsor contact information, signature and certification I certify that the information I have provided is, to the best of my knowledge, correct. I also recognize and agree that no construction activity, including but not limited to site preparation, demolition, or land disturbance, shall proceed until 10
FAA Decision Having reviewed the above information, certified by the responsible airport official, it is the FAA s decision that the proposed project (s) or development warrants environmental processing as indicated below. No further NEPA review required. Project is categorically excluded per (cite applicable 10501.E CATEX that applies) An Environmental Assessment (EA) is required. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required. The following additional documentation is necessary for FAA to perform a complete environmental evaluation of the proposed project. Click here to enter text if necessary Name: Title Responsible FAA Official Signature Date 11