Notification of Skennen Park Environmental Assessment Comment Period
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Environment Division is notifying community members that a 30-day Public Comment Period is being provided for an environmental assessment.
Environmental Assessments
Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Reviews(ERs) have become an important planning and development tool for the Tribe because of increased development on the reservation. The format and structure for conducting EAs and ERs parallel that of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and are tailored to the uniqueness of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Culture.
The process was drafted, reviewed, revised, finalized and adopted by the Environment Division. The resulting Environmental Assessment and Environmental Review Checklist documents provides staff and project developers with the tools and guidance necessary for objectively determining impacts from proposed projects. The structure and format is specific in guidance and the process has been streamlined in order to allow efficient processing of EAs and ERs.
Open for Public Comments
Project Name: St. Regis River Water Main Crossing
Environmental Review Process
The environmental review process allows developers and the Tribe to examine a proposed project before it is started in order to prevent or minimize potential impacts to the environment and health of the community. The process, if followed objectively and thoroughly, will reveal any problems that might be associated with a development and permit actions to be taken to eliminate or minimize potential problems.
The review process can actually result in savings of time and money for developers when the costs that may be related to change orders in construction or loss of time due to delays are considered.
The environmental review checklist is to be used when a project qualifies for a categorical exclusion (Cat Ex). These projects usually include smaller construction projects (i.e. additions to existing structures), repairs, improvements, and reconstructions. These projects are not expected to significantly alter the environmental impacts of a site.
The Environmental Assessment Form is used for all construction projects that do not qualify for a categorical exclusion. These projects include large additions to existing structures, new constructions, and projects occurring in previously undeveloped areas. This is a more intense process and will require a public comment period before proposed projects are approved.
The Environmental Assessment Checklist and Form can be found listed below.
Environmental Review Checklist for Categorical Exclusion