Service makes on-the-spot field observations but some analyses are 

 based on outside information. 



In the Annapolis, Maryland Field Office, permit coordinators classify 

 permits into four categories based on in-house review as follows: 



1 . No objection 



2. Field investigation needed 



3. No action 



4. Request for time extension 



No objection means that the project apparently will not have any 

 significant environmental impact; field investigation needed means that 

 more information is necessary to determine potential impacts; no action 

 means that some environmental impact is probable but monies are not 

 available to make a final determination; consequently, the project is 

 neither approved nor rejected; and request for time extension means that 

 more information, studies, or time may be necessary before environmental 

 decisions are made [15]. 



The Fish and Wildlife Service recommendations under the Coordina- 

 tion Act must be specific, describing "features recommended for wildlife 

 conservation and development, lands to be utilized or acquired for such 

 purposes, the results expected, .. .and the damage to wildlife attribut- 

 able to the (proposed) project and the measures proposed for mitigating 

 or compensating for these damages." [16]. 



Unlike the permitting agency, the FWS goal is assigned by law: 

 the protection of public fish and wildlife resources and their habitat 

 In this role it must present as completely documented a "case" for its 

 position as is possible during the consultation called for under the 

 Coordination Act. 



1.2.2 The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 



The National Environmental Policy Act requires that the responsible 

 Federal agency prepare a detailed statement (an "Environmental Impact 

 Statement") to accompany major Federal actions significantly affecting 

 the environment. The statements must describe [17]: 



(i) the environmental impact of the proposed action, 



(ii) any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided 

 should the proposal be implemented, 



(iii) alternatives to the proposed action, 



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