DOE integration of the NEPA and CERCLA processes

It is DOE's policy to satisfy the requirements of NEPA and CERCLA. It is DOE's intention to satisfy the requirements of both laws with a single, integrated set of documentation. The primary instrument for DOE's integrated NEPA/CERCLA process will be the RI/FS process. The RI/FS process will be supplemented, as needed, to meet the procedural and documentation requirements of NEPA. Thus, the integrated document shall be and RI/FS - EIS. The scheduling of the RI/FS - EIS documentation development is critical to total project planning. EH has tentatively estimated that eight months is required for review and approval of any primary document. In addition, EH has estimated seven and one half years will be required to obtain a Record of Decision (ROD) for an integrated RI/FS - EIS document. Although this time period may be shortened through innovative implementation of remedial action plans, it underscores the importance of factoring RI/FS - EIS document review early in the project planning stage. In order to expedite the review and comment period, EH will not attempt to review and comment on all primary and secondary documents. The appropriate Program or Field Office will be responsible for scheduling EH review times into the overall program schedule