[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 32, Volume 4]
[Revised as of July 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 32CFR651.36]

[Page 413-414]
 
                       TITLE 32--NATIONAL DEFENSE
 
              CHAPTER V--DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 651--ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF ARMY ACTIONS (AR 200-2)--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart E--Environmental Assessment
 
Sec. 651.36  Public involvement.

    (a) The involvement of other agencies, organizations, and 
individuals in the development of EAs and EISs enhances collaborative 
issue identification and problem solving. Such involvement demonstrates 
that the Army is committed to open decision-making and builds the 
necessary community trust that sustains the Army in the long term. 
Public involvement is mandatory for EISs (see Sec. 651.47 and Appendix D 
of this part for information on public involvement requirements).
    (b) Environmental agencies and the public will be involved to the 
extent practicable in the preparation of an EA. If the proponent elects 
to involve the public in the development of an EA, Sec. 651.47 and 
Appendix D of this part may be used as guidance. When considering the 
extent practicable of public interaction (40 CFR 1501.4(b)), factors to 
be weighed include:
    (1) Magnitude of the proposed project/action.
    (2) Extent of anticipated public interest, based on experience with 
similar proposals.
    (3) Urgency of the proposal.
    (4) National security classification.
    (5) The presence of minority or economically-disadvantaged 
populations.
    (c) Public involvement must begin early in the proposal development 
stage, and during preparation of an EA. The direct involvement of 
agencies with jurisdiction or special expertise is an integral part of 
impact analysis,

[[Page 414]]

and provides information and conclusions for incorporation into EAs. 
Unclassified documents incorporated by reference into the EA or FNSI are 
public documents.
    (d) Copies of public notices, ``scoping'' letters, EAs, draft FNSIs, 
FNSIs, and other documents routinely sent to the public will be sent 
directly to appropriate congressional, state, and district offices.
    (e) To ensure early incorporation of the public into the process, a 
plan to include all interested or affected parties should be developed 
at the beginning of the analysis and documentation process. Open 
communication with the public is encouraged as a matter of Army policy, 
and the degree of public involvement varies. Appropriate public notice 
of the availability of the completed EA/draft FNSI shall be made (see 
Sec. 651.35) (see also AR 360-5 (Public Information)). The plan will 
include the following:
    (1) Dissemination of information to local and installation 
communities.
    (2) Invitation and incorporation of public comments on Army actions.
    (3) Consultation with appropriate persons and agencies.
    (f) Further guidance on public participation requirements (to 
potentially be used for EAs and EISs, depending on circumstances) is 
presented in Appendix D of this part.