Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI)

NEPA Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is a document issued by a federal agency under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to indicate that a proposed action would not have a significant impact on the environment. A FONSI is issued after an Environmental Assessment (EA) has been conducted, which is a less detailed analysis of the potential environmental impacts of a proposed action.

The process of preparing a FONSI includes a detailed analysis of the proposed action and its potential impacts on the environment, including impacts on air and water quality, wildlife, and cultural resources. Alternatives to the proposed action are also considered and evaluated in order to identify the best course of action that would minimize potential environmental impacts.

The main goal of a FONSI is to provide decision-makers with the necessary information to make informed decisions about whether a proposed action would have a significant impact on the environment. If it is determined that the proposed action would have no significant impact, the agency can issue a FONSI and proceed with the action without preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

A FONSI is typically issued for actions that are not expected to have significant environmental impacts and are not subject to more detailed analysis under NEPA. They are typically accompanied by an Environmental Assessment, which is a brief summary of the proposed action and its potential impacts. The FONSI and EA documents are subject to a public comment period and a formal review by other agencies.

A FONSI is an important tool for providing transparency and information to the public and decision-makers and also helps to streamline the NEPA process by eliminating the need for more detailed analysis in certain cases.