Abstract |
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) required the filing of environmental impact statements by Federal agencies proposing major actions significantly affecting the water quality of the human environment. This research suggests bases for the evaluation and further development of methodologies used to prepare impact statements. Three methodologies are critically analyzed. Specific criteria for methodology evaluation are developed within the areas of technical ecological content, practical applicability, and political utility. These criteria are designed to emphasize a 'full-disclosure law' interpretation of NEPA. The methodologies are examined using each set of criteria in turn. |