WEPA Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants
WEPA Key Terms & Definitions
Action: Under WEPA, an "action" is any activity proposed by a state agency that may significantly affect the quality of the human environment. This includes projects, programs, and policy decisions. (Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(c))
Alternatives Analysis: A key component of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, which requires state agencies to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of reasonable alternatives to the proposed action. (Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(e))
Categorical Exclusion: A category of actions that a state agency has determined, through experience, do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and, therefore, do not require the preparation of an EIS. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.20(1))
Cumulative Impacts: The incremental environmental impacts of the proposed action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of the agency or person undertaking such actions. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.30(1)(f))
Environmental Assessment (EA): A concise public document that provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.30(1)(b))
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): A detailed written report that evaluates the environmental impacts of a proposed action, considers alternatives, and provides an opportunity for public review and comment. (Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(c))
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI): A document prepared by a state agency briefly presenting the reasons why an action will not have a significant effect on the human environment and, therefore, for which an EIS will not be prepared. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.30(1)(d))
Human Environment: The natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment, including aesthetic, historic, cultural, economic, social, and health effects. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.30(1)(e))
Lead Agency: The state agency with primary responsibility for complying with WEPA for a particular proposed action. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.20(1)(f))
Mitigation: Measures taken to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, or compensate for the adverse environmental impacts of a proposed action. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.30(1)(h))
Public Participation: The process of involving the public in the decision-making process for proposed actions that may significantly affect the quality of the human environment. This includes opportunities for public comment and public hearings. (Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(d))
Scoping: An early and open process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed in an EIS and for identifying the significant issues related to a proposed action. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.30(1)(j))
Significant Effect: A substantial adverse impact on the quality of the human environment. Significance is determined by considering the context and intensity of the proposed action. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.30(1)(k))
State Agency: Any department, board, commission, committee, or officer in the state government, except the governor, the courts, or the legislature. (Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(a))
Tiering: The process of incorporating by reference the general discussions and relevant specific discussions from an earlier EIS into a subsequent EIS or EA. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.30(1)(m))
Tribal Consultation: The process of engaging in government-to-government dialogue with federally recognized Native American tribes to ensure that their rights and concerns are considered in the decision-making process for proposed actions that may affect them. (Wis. Admin. Code NR § 150.40(2)(b))
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR or DNR): The primary state agency responsible for implementing and enforcing WEPA. (Wis. Stat. § 1.11(2)(c))
Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA): The state law that requires state agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and to involve the public in the decision-making process. (Wis. Stat. § 1.11)
A Note to Our Readers: We hope this guide is a valuable resource in helping you better understand the . However, it's not a substitute for professional advice and doesn't cover every scenario. Always consult with regulatory bodies and professionals for the most current advice and project-specific guidance.