Documentation of the findings of impact studies is a requirement of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. In the United States, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ's) implementing regulations, and specific governmental agency regulations, all specify the preparation of compliance documents referred to as environmental impact statements (EISs) or environmental assessments (EAs). Such documents are to demonstrate that the environment was considered in decision-making, that a systematic and interdisciplinary approach was used, and that the impact studies were based upon sound science, the use of appropriate methods, and evaluation of the findings in relation to institutional regulations and policies. Such written documentation should be based upon the application of technical writing principles. Finally, when realizing that resultant EISs or EAs may be the only documents on specific proposed actions that are subjected to public review, it could thus be stated that their preparation may be the most important part of the EIA process.
This series is designed to facilitate the writing of EAs and EISs. It is designed for both new professionals who need practical information and examples related to planning and preparing compliance documentation, as well as experienced persons who could benefit from refinement of traditional practices.
Principles of Technical Writing Applied to the EIA Process- $75This course is comprised of three segments. The first segment addresses several fundamental principles of technical writing and stresses their application regarding the preparation of EIA compliance documents. A key topic relates to the fact that multiple types of audiences (stakeholder groups) may read entire documents or selected portions thereof; accordingly, attention must be directed to communicating both scientific and policy information to anticipated diverse audiences. The second segment delineates the first two of three phases in the writing process for EAs or EISs: an initial planning phase, typically involving the development of a document outline (contents plan); and a detailed planning phase potentially involving both expansion and potential refinement of the contents plan. The third phase, the actual writing phase, is the subject of the third segment of this module. This segment includes practical suggestions related to organizing relevant information, initiating the writing, developing visual display materials (tables, graphs, maps, etc.), and selection of a referencing system. Finally, it should be noted that focused writing and referencing provides a valid basis for demonstrating that a documented decision process was used.
Special Topics Applied to Technical Writing for EIA Process- $75
Five topical issues are addressed in this course. The first one highlights the importance of clearly describing the need for the proposed action, as well as the purposes to be accomplished by the preferred alternative. The "needs and purposes" provide the context for both planning considerations and the preparation of EISs or EAs. The second issue addresses the contents of a summary of an EIA compliance document, along with pragmatic means of developing the summary following completion of a draft EIS or EA. This issue is particularly important since the summary is likely to be the most-widely read section (chapter) in a given EIS or EA. The third issue is focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with interdisciplinary team writing efforts. Challenges are related to coordination, timing, and blending the perspectives of the team leader and members. In contrast, opportunities are associated with the preparation of a higher quality document. The fourth issue deals with the purposes and processes for conduction of intra-agency reviews of draft EISs and EAs. Finally, the fifth issue highlights differences between a final EIS and a draft EIS.
Technical Writing Bundle: Both the above courses bundled together - $135 ($150 if purchased separately)
Click on the title of the course to register and begin.
This course is comprised of three segments. The first segment addresses several fundamental principles of technical writing and stresses their application regarding the preparation of EIA compliance documents. A key topic relates to the fact that multiple types of audiences (stakeholder groups) may read entire documents or selected portions thereof; accordingly, attention must be directed to communicating both scientific and policy information to anticipated diverse audiences. The second segment delineates the first two of three phases in the writing process for EAs or EISs: an initial planning phase, typically involving the development of a document outline (contents plan); and a detailed planning phase potentially involving both expansion and potential refinement of the contents plan. The third phase, the actual writing phase, is the subject of the third segment of this module. This segment includes practical suggestions related to organizing relevant information, initiating the writing, developing visual display materials (tables, graphs, maps, etc.), and selection of a referencing system. Finally, it should be noted that focused writing and referencing provides a valid basis for demonstrating that a documented decision process was used.
Cost: $75
Five topical issues are addressed in this course. The first one highlights the importance of clearly describing the need for the proposed action, as well as the purposes to be accomplished by the preferred alternative. The "needs and purposes" provide the context for both planning considerations and the preparation of EISs or EAs. The second issue addresses the contents of a summary of an EIA compliance document, along with pragmatic means of developing the summary following completion of a draft EIS or EA. This issue is particularly important since the summary is likely to be the most-widely read section (chapter) in a given EIS or EA. The third issue is focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with interdisciplinary team writing efforts. Challenges are related to coordination, timing, and blending the perspectives of the team leader and members. In contrast, opportunities are associated with the preparation of a higher quality document. The fourth issue deals with the purposes and processes for conduction of intra-agency reviews of draft EISs and EAs. Finally, the fifth issue highlights differences between a final EIS and a draft EIS.
Cost: $75- Cost: $135.00
Students purchasing this bundled course will receive enrollment in both Technical Writing for EIA (NEPA) Series courses offered at EIA Campus for a discounted rate (10% savings).
Cost: $135 This saves you $15 off the cost of purchasing each course independently.