Environmental Impact Statement

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

As part of our commitment to the environment and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the development of an updated facility for the National Wildlife Health Center. This comprehensive document will be made available for public review twice during the NEPA process.

The first phase of this process was the public review of the Draft EIS (EIS), which is available here:

• Draft Environmental Impact Statement (9.67 MB)
• Appendix A - Glossary (141 KB)
• Appendix B - Public Scoping and Engagement (34.1 MB)
• Appendix C - Conceptual NWHC Renderings (15.9 MB)
• Appendix D - Agency Correspondence (8.27 MB)
• Appendix E - Cultural Resources Evaluation Report (19.1 MB)
• Appendix F - Phase II Survey Report (2.86 MB)
• Appendix G - Traffic Report (2.51 MB)
• Appendix H - NAAQS Criteria Pollutants (173 KB)
• Appendix I - Distribution List (2.99 MB)

The 45-day public comment period for the Draft EIS was initiated with publication of the Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register and local newspaper on June 14, 2024 and concluded on July 29, 2024.

The Final EIS is being developed, taking into consideration the feedback received on the Draft EIS. The Final EIS will be available for public review for 30 days before a final decision is made. This comprehensive process ensures that all environmental impacts are thoroughly considered, and that the public and stakeholders have a voice in the process.

Although comments can be submitted to USGS any time during the EIS process, comments on the Draft EIS were requested during the official comment period to ensure full consideration in the Final EIS. To submit a comment at this time, you may use our online form, e-mail to jsizemore@usgs.gov, or send by mail to: Jordan D. Sizemore, NEPA Manager, United States Geological Survey, NWHC 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI, 53711-6223.