What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

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An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is an important document that provides information about potential ways a proposed project may impact the environment.  It also helps identify different ways these factors can be avoided or minimized.  An EIS does not give a company a permit or permission to build a facility.  It is an information document to help the company and regulatory agencies analyze and understand the proposed project plan and ways to improve its design and operation.

 

The EIS contains information to help inform regulatory agencies who will review permit applications for the different types of approvals needed to allow a project to move forward.  The EIS is intended primarily for government decision-makers who must approve the project, the information is used by the proposer and the general public as well. A key point: the EIS is not a means to approve or disapprove a project, but is simply a source of information to guide approval decisions. (As taken from the Guide to Minnesota Environmental Review Rules)