24 C.F.R. PART 58—ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURES FOR ENTITIES ASSUMING HUD ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Title 24 - Housing and Urban Development
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1707 note, 1715z–13a(k); 25 U.S.C. 4115 and 4226; 42 U.S.C. 1437x, 3535(d), 3547, 4332, 4852, 5304(g), 11402, 12838, and 12905(h); title II of Pub. L. 105–276; E.O. 11514 as amended by E.O 11991, 3 CFR 1977 Comp., p. 123.
Source: 61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, unless otherwise noted.
(a) Purpose. This part provides instructions and guidance to recipients of HUD assistance and other responsible entities for conducting an environmental review for a particular project or activity and for obtaining approval of a Request for Release of Funds. (b) Applicability. This part applies to activities and projects where specific statutory authority exists for recipients or other responsible entities to assume environmental responsibilities. Programs and activities subject to this part include: (1) Community Development Block Grant programs authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, in accordance with section 104(g) (42 U.S.C. 5304(g)); (2) [Reserved] (3)(i) Grants to states and units of general local government under the Emergency Shelter Grant Program, Supportive Housing Program (and its predecessors, the Supportive Housing Demonstration Program (both Transitional Housing and Permanent Housing for Homeless Persons with Disabilities) and Supplemental Assistance for Facilities to Assist the Homeless), Shelter Plus Care Program, Safe Havens for Homeless Individuals Demonstration Program, and Rural Homeless Housing Assistance, authorized by Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, in accordance with section 443 (42 U.S.C. 11402); (ii) Grants beginning with Fiscal Year 2001 to private non-profit organizations and housing agencies under the Supportive Housing Program and Shelter Plus Care Program authorized by Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, in accordance with section 443 (42 U.S.C. 11402); (4) The HOME Investment Partnerships Program authorized by Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA), in accordance with section 288 (42 U.S.C. 12838); (5) Grants to States and units of general local government for abatement of lead-based paint and lead dust hazards pursuant to Title II of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992, and grants for lead-based paint hazard reduction under section 1011 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, in accordance with section 1011(o) (42 U.S.C. 4852(o)); (6)(i) Public Housing Programs under Title I of the United States Housing Act of 1937, including HOPE VI grants authorized under section 24 of the Act for Fiscal Year 2000 and later, in accordance with section 26 (42 U.S.C. 1437x); (ii) Grants for the revitalization of severely distressed public housing (HOPE VI) for Fiscal Year 1999 and prior years, in accordance with Title II of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105–276, approved October 21, 1998); and (iii) Assistance administered by a public housing agency under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, except for assistance provided under part 886 of this title, in accordance with section 26 (42 U.S.C. 1437x); (7) Special Projects appropriated under an appropriation act for HUD, such as special projects under the heading “Annual Contributions for Assisted Housing” in Title II of various Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Acts, in accordance with section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547); (8) The FHA Multifamily Housing Finance Agency Pilot Program under section 542(c) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, in accordance with section 542(c)(9)(12 U.S.C. 1707 note); (9) The Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program under section 11 of the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–120, 110 Stat. 834), in accordance with section 11(m)); (10) Assistance provided under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA), in accordance with: (i) Section 105 for Indian Housing Block Grants and Federal Guarantees or Financing for Tribal Housing Authorities (25 U.S.C. 4115 and 4226); and (ii) Section 806 for Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grants (25 U.S.C. 4226); (11) Indian Housing Loan Guarantees authorized by section 184 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, in accordance with section 184(k) (12 U.S.C. 1715z–13a(k)); and (12) Grants for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) under the AIDS Housing Opportunity Act, as follows: competitive grants beginning with Fiscal Year 2001 and all formula grants, in accordance with section 856(h) (42 U.S.C. 12905(h)); all grants for Fiscal Year 1999 and prior years, in accordance with section 207(c) of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105–276, approved October 21, 1998). (c) When HUD assistance is used to help fund a revolving loan fund that is administered by a recipient or another party, the activities initially receiving assistance from the fund are subject to the requirements in this part. Future activities receiving assistance from the revolving loan fund, after the fund has received loan repayments, are subject to the environmental review requirements if the rules of the HUD program that initially provided assistance to the fund continue to treat the activities as subject to the Federal requirements. If the HUD program treats the activities as not being subject to any Federal requirements, then the activities cease to become Federally-funded activities and the provisions of this part do not apply. (d) To the extent permitted by applicable laws and the applicable regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality, the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development may, for good cause and with appropriate conditions, approve waivers and exceptions or establish criteria for exceptions from the requirements of this part. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 56127, Sept. 29, 2003] (a) For the purposes of this part, the following definitions supplement the uniform terminology provided in 40 CFR part 1508: (1) Activity means an action that a grantee or recipient puts forth as part of an assisted project, regardless of whether its cost is to be borne by the HUD assistance or is an eligible expense under the HUD assistance program. (2) Certifying Officer means the official who is authorized to execute the Request for Release of Funds and Certification and has the legal capacity to carry out the responsibilities of §58.13. (3) Extraordinary Circumstances means a situation in which an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) is not normally required, but due to unusual conditions, an EA or EIS is appropriate. Indicators of unusual conditions are: (i) Actions that are unique or without precedent; (ii) Actions that are substantially similar to those that normally require an EIS; (iii) Actions that are likely to alter existing HUD policy or HUD mandates; or (iv) Actions that, due to unusual physical conditions on the site or in the vicinity, have the potential for a significant impact on the environment or in which the environment could have a significant impact on users of the facility. (4) Project means an activity, or a group of integrally related activities, designed by the recipient to accomplish, in whole or in part, a specific objective. (5) Recipient means any of the following entities, when they are eligible recipients or grantees under a program listed in §58.1(b): (i) A State that does not distribute HUD assistance under the program to a unit of general local government; (ii) Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Palau; (iii) A unit of general local government; (iv) An Indian tribe; (v) With respect to Public Housing Programs under §58.1(b)(6)(i), fiscal year 1999 and prior HOPE VI grants under §58.1(b)(6)(ii) or Section 8 assistance under §58.1(b)(6)(iii), a public housing agency; (vi) Any direct grantee of HUD for a special project under §58.1(b)(7); (vii) With respect to the FHA Multifamily Housing Finance Agency Program under 58.1(b)(8), a qualified housing finance agency; (viii) With respect to the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program under §58.1(b)(9), any direct grantee of HUD. (ix)(A) With respect to NAHASDA assistance under §58.1(b)(10), the Indian tribe or the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; and (B) With respect to the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee program under §58.1(b)(11), the Indian tribe. (x) With respect to the Shelter Plus Care and Supportive Housing Programs under §58.1(b)(3)(ii), nonprofit organizations and other entities. (6) Release of funds. In the case of the FHA Multifamily Housing Finance Agency Program under §58.1(b)(8), Release of Funds, as used in this part, refers to HUD issuance of a firm approval letter, and Request for Release of Funds refers to a recipient's request for a firm approval letter. In the case of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee program under §58.1(b)(11), Release of Funds refers to HUD's issuance of a commitment to guarantee a loan, or if there is no commitment, HUD's issuance of a certificate of guarantee. (7) Responsible Entity. Responsible Entity means: (i) With respect to environmental responsibilities under programs listed in §58.1(b)(1), (2), (3)(i), (4), and (5), a recipient under the program. (ii) With respect to environmental responsibilities under the programs listed in §58.1(b)(3)(ii) and (6) through (12), a state, unit of general local government, Indian tribe or Alaska Native Village, or the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, when it is the recipient under the program. Under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) listed in §58.1(b)(10)(i), the Indian tribe is the responsible entity whether or not a Tribally Designated Housing Entity is authorized to receive grant amounts on behalf of the tribe. The Indian tribe is also the responsible entity under the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee program listed in §58.1(b)(11). Regional Corporations in Alaska are considered Indian tribes in this part. Non-recipient responsible entities are designated as follows: (A) For qualified housing finance agencies, the State or a unit of general local government, Indian tribe or Alaska native village whose jurisdiction contains the project site; (B) For public housing agencies, the unit of general local government within which the project is located that exercises land use responsibility, or if HUD determines this infeasible, the county, or if HUD determines this infeasible, the State; (C) For non-profit organizations and other entities, the unit of general local government, Indian tribe or Alaska native village within which the project is located that exercises land use responsibility, or if HUD determines this infeasible, the county, or if HUD determines this infeasible, the State; (8) Unit Density refers to a change in the number of dwelling units. Where a threshold is identified as a percentage change in density that triggers review requirements, no distinction is made between an increase or a decrease in density. (9) Tiering means the evaluation of an action or an activity at various points in the development process as a proposal or event becomes ripe for an Environment Assessment or Review. (10) Vacant Building means a habitable structure that has been vacant for more than one year. (b) The following abbreviations are used throughout this part: (1) CDBG—Community Development Block Grant; (2) CEQ—Council on Environmental Quality; (3) EA—Environmental Assessment; (4) EIS—Environmental Impact Statement; (5) EPA—Environmental Protection Agency; (6) ERR—Environmental Review Record; (7) FONSI—Finding of No Significant Impact; (8) HUD—Department of Housing and Urban Development; (9) NAHA—Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990; (10) NEPA—National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended; (11) NOI/EIS—Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS; (12) NOI/RROF—Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds; (13) ROD—Record of Decision; (14) ROF—Release of Funds; and (15) RROF—Request for Release of Funds. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 56128, Sept. 29, 2003] (a) Assumption authority for responsible entities: General. Responsible entities shall assume the responsibility for environmental review, decision-making, and action that would otherwise apply to HUD under NEPA and other provisions of law that further the purposes of NEPA, as specified in §58.5. Responsible entities that receive assistance directly from HUD assume these responsibilities by execution of a grant agreement with HUD and/or a legally binding document such as the certification contained on HUD Form 7015.15, certifying to the assumption of environmental responsibilities. When a State distributes funds to a responsible entity, the State must provide for appropriate procedures by which these responsible entities will evidence their assumption of environmental responsibilities. (b) Particular responsibilities of the States. (1) States are recipients for purposes of directly undertaking a State project and must assume the environmental review responsibilities for the State's activities and those of any non-governmental entity that may participate in the project. In this case, the State must submit the certification and RROF to HUD for approval. (2) States must exercise HUD's responsibilities in accordance with §58.18, with respect to approval of a unit of local government's environmental certification and RROF for a HUD assisted project funded through the state. Approval by the state of a unit of local government's certification and RROF satisfies the Secretary's responsibilities under NEPA and the related laws cited in §58.5. (c) Particular responsibilities of Indian tribes. An Indian tribe may, but is not required to, assume responsibilities for environmental review, decision-making and action for programs authorized by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) (other than title VIII) or section 184 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z–13a). The tribe must make a separate decision regarding assumption of responsibilities for each of these Acts and communicate that decision in writing to HUD. If the tribe assumes these responsibilities, the requirements of this part shall apply. If a tribe formally declines assumption of these responsibilities, they are retained by HUD and the provisions of part 50 of this title apply. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 56128, Sept. 29, 2003] In accordance with the provisions of law cited in §58.1(b), the responsible entity must assume responsibilities for environmental review, decision-making and action that would apply to HUD under the following specified laws and authorities. The responsible entity must certify that it has complied with the requirements that would apply to HUD under these laws and authorities and must consider the criteria, standards, policies and regulations of these laws and authorities. (a) Historic properties. (1) The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), particularly sections 106 and 110 (16 U.S.C. 470 and 470h–2). (2) Executive Order 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, May 13, 1971 (36 FR 8921), 3 CFR 1971–1975 Comp., p. 559, particularly section 2(c). (3) Federal historic preservation regulations as follows: (i) 36 CFR part 800 with respect to HUD programs other than Urban Development Action Grants (UDAG); and (ii) 36 CFR part 801 with respect to UDAG. (4) The Reservoir Salvage Act of 1960 as amended by the Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 469 et seq.), particularly section 3 (16 U.S.C. 469a-1). (b) Floodplain management and wetland protection. (1) Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, May 24, 1977 (42 FR 26951), 3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 117, as interpreted in HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 55, particularly section 2(a) of the order (For an explanation of the relationship between the decision-making process in 24 CFR part 55 and this part, see §55.10 of this subtitle A.) (2) Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, May 24, 1977 (42 FR 26961), 3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 121, particularly sections 2 and 5. (c) Coastal Zone Management. The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.), as amended, particularly section 307(c) and (d) (16 U.S.C. 1456(c) and (d)). (d) Sole source aquifers. (1) The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 201, 300(f) et seq., and 21 U.S.C. 349) as amended; particularly section 1424(e)(42 U.S.C. 300h–3(e)). (2) Sole Source Aquifers (Environmental Protection Agency—40 CFR part 149). (e) Endangered species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) as amended, particularly section 7 (16 U.S.C. 1536). (f) Wild and scenic rivers. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) as amended, particularly section 7(b) and (c) (16 U.S.C. 1278(b) and (c)). (g) Air quality. (1) The Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et. seq.) as amended; particularly section 176(c) and (d) (42 U.S.C. 7506(c) and (d)). (2) Determining Conformity of Federal Actions to State or Federal Implementation Plans (Environmental Protection Agency—40 CFR parts 6, 51, and 93). (h) Farmlands protection. (1) Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1981 (7 U.S.C. 4201 et seq.) particularly sections 1540(b) and 1541 (7 U.S.C. 4201(b) and 4202). (2) Farmland Protection Policy (Department of Agriculture—7 CFR part 658). (i) HUD environmental standards. (1) Applicable criteria and standards specified in part 51 of this title, other than the runway clear zone notification requirement in §51.303(a)(3). (2)(i) Also, it is HUD policy that all properties that are being proposed for use in HUD programs be free of hazardous materials, contamination, toxic chemicals and gases, and radioactive substances, where a hazard could affect the health and safety of occupants or conflict with the intended utilization of the property. (ii) The environmental review of multifamily housing with five or more dwelling units (including leasing), or non-residential property, must include the evaluation of previous uses of the site or other evidence of contamination on or near the site, to ensure that the occupants of proposed sites are not adversely affected by any of the hazards listed in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section. (iii) Particular attention should be given to any proposed site on or in the general proximity of such areas as dumps, landfills, industrial sites, or other locations that contain, or may have contained, hazardous wastes. (iv) The responsible entity shall use current techniques by qualified professionals to undertake investigations determined necessary. (j) Environmental justice. Executive Order 12898—Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, February 11, 1994 (59 FR 7629), 3 CFR, 1994 Comp. p. 859. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 56128, Sept. 29, 2003] In addition to the duties under the laws and authorities specified in §58.5 for assumption by the responsible entity under the laws cited in §58.1(b), the responsible entity must comply with the following requirements. Applicability of the following requirements does not trigger the certification and release of funds procedure under this part or preclude exemption of an activity under §58.34(a)(12) and/or the applicability of §58.35(b). However, the responsible entity remains responsible for addressing the following requirements in its ERR and meeting these requirements, where applicable, regardless of whether the activity is exempt under §58.34 or categorically excluded under §58.35(a) or (b). (a)(1) Under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4001–4128), Federal financial assistance for acquisition and construction purposes (including rehabilitation) may not be used in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having special flood hazards, unless: (i) The community in which the area is situated is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (see 44 CFR parts 59 through 79), or less than one year has passed since the FEMA notification regarding such hazards; and (ii) Where the community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance protection is to be obtained as a condition of the approval of financial assistance to the property owner. (2) Where the community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program and the recipient provides financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes (including rehabilitation) for property located in an area identified by FEMA as having special flood hazards, the responsible entity is responsible for assuring that flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program is obtained and maintained. (3) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to Federal formula grants made to a State. (b) Under section 582 of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, 42 U.S.C. 5154a, HUD disaster assistance that is made available in a special flood hazard area may not be used to make a payment (including any loan assistance payment) to a person for repair, replacement or restoration for flood damage to any personal, residential or commercial property if: (1) The person had previously received Federal flood disaster assistance conditioned on obtaining and maintaining flood insurance; and (2) The person failed to obtain and maintain flood insurance. (c) Pursuant to the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, as amended by the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 3501), HUD assistance may not be used for most activities proposed in the Coastal Barrier Resources System. (d) In all cases involving HUD assistance, subsidy, or insurance for the purchase or sale of an existing property in a Runway Clear Zone or Clear Zone, as defined in 24 CFR part 51, the responsible entity shall advise the buyer that the property is in a runway clear zone or clear zone, what the implications of such a location are, and that there is a possibility that the property may, at a later date, be acquired by the airport operator. The buyer must sign a statement acknowledging receipt of this information. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 15271, Mar. 30, 1998] In accordance with the provisions of law cited in §58.1(b), except as otherwise provided in §58.4(c), the responsible entity must assume the environmental responsibilities for projects under programs cited in §58.1(b). In doing so, the responsible entity must comply with the provisions of NEPA and the CEQ regulations contained in 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508, including the requirements set forth in this part. [68 FR 56128, Sept. 29, 2003] (a) A responsible entity which believes that it does not have the legal capacity to carry out the environmental responsibilities required by this part must contact the appropriate local HUD Office or the State for further instructions. Determinations of legal capacity will be made on a case-by-case basis. (b) If a public housing, special project, HOPWA, Supportive Housing, Shelter Plus Care, or Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity recipient that is not a responsible entity objects to the non-recipient responsible entity conducting the environmental review on the basis of performance, timing, or compatibility of objectives, HUD will review the facts to determine who will perform the environmental review. (c) At any time, HUD may reject the use of a responsible entity to conduct the environmental review in a particular case on the basis of performance, timing or compatibility of objectives, or in accordance with §58.77(d)(1). (d) If a responsible entity, other than a recipient, objects to performing an environmental review, or if HUD determines that the responsible entity should not perform the environmental review, HUD may designate another responsible entity to conduct the review in accordance with this part or may itself conduct the environmental review in accordance with the provisions of 24 CFR part 50. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 56129, Sept. 29, 2003] The responsible entity must develop the technical and administrative capability necessary to comply with 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508 and the requirements of this part. Under the terms of the certification required by §58.71, a responsible entity's certifying officer is the “responsible Federal official” as that term is used in section 102 of NEPA and in statutory provisions cited in §58.1(b). The Certifying Officer is therefore responsible for all the requirements of section 102 of NEPA and the related provisions in 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508, and 24 CFR part 58, including the related Federal authorities listed in §58.5. The Certifying Officer must also: (a) Represent the responsible entity and be subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal courts. The Certifying Officer will not be represented by the Department of Justice in court; and (b) Ensure that the responsible entity reviews and comments on all EISs prepared for Federal projects that may have an impact on the recipient's program. A responsible entity shall consult with appropriate environmental agencies, State, Federal and non-Federal entities and the public in the preparation of an EIS, EA or other environmental reviews undertaken under the related laws and authorities cited in §58.5 and §58.6. The responsible entity must also cooperate with other agencies to reduce duplication between NEPA and comparable environmental review requirements of the State (see 40 CFR 1506.2 (b) and (c)). The responsible entity must prepare its EAs and EISs so that they comply with the environmental review requirements of both Federal and State laws unless otherwise specified or provided by law. State, Federal and local agencies may participate or act in a joint lead or cooperating agency capacity in the preparation of joint EISs or joint environmental assessments (see 40 CFR 1501.5(b) and 1501.6). A single EIS or EA may be prepared and adopted by multiple users to the extent that the review addresses the relevant environmental issues and there is a written agreement between the cooperating agencies which sets forth the coordinated and overall responsibilities. [63 FR 15271, Mar 30, 1998] Responsible entities may tier their environmental reviews and assessments to eliminate repetitive discussions of the same issues at subsequent levels of review. Tiering is appropriate when there is a requirement to evaluate a policy or proposal in the early stages of development or when site-specific analysis or mitigation is not currently feasible and a more narrow or focused analysis is better done at a later date. The site specific review need only reference or summarize the issues addressed in the broader review. The broader review should identify and evaluate those issues ripe for decision and exclude those issues not relevant to the policy, program or project under consideration. The broader review should also establish the policy, standard or process to be followed in the site specific review. The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to the broader assessment shall include a summary of the assessment and identify the significant issues to be considered in site specific reviews. Subsequent site-specific reviews will not require notices or a Request for Release of Funds unless the Certifying Officer determines that there are unanticipated impacts or impacts not adequately addressed in the prior review. A tiering approach can be used for meeting environmental review requirements in areas designated for special focus in local Consolidated Plans. Local and State Governments are encouraged to use the Consolidated Plan process to facilitate environmental reviews. States that elect to administer a HUD program shall ensure that the program complies with the provisions of this part. The state must: (a) Designate the state agency or agencies that will be responsible for carrying out the requirements and administrative responsibilities set forth in subpart H of this part and which will: (1) Develop a monitoring and enforcement program for post-review actions on environmental reviews and monitor compliance with any environmental conditions included in the award. (2) Receive public notices, RROFs, and certifications from recipients pursuant to §§58.70 and 58.71; accept objections from the public and from other agencies (§58.73); and perform other related responsibilities regarding releases of funds. (b) Fulfill the state role in subpart H relative to the time period set for the receipt and disposition of comments, objections and appeals (if any) on particular projects. [68 FR 56129, Sept. 29, 2003] All time periods in this part shall be counted in calendar days. The first day of a time period begins at 12:01 a.m. local time on the day following the publication or the mailing and posting date of the notice which initiates the time period. (a) Neither a recipient nor any participant in the development process, including public or private nonprofit or for-profit entities, or any of their contractors, may commit HUD assistance under a program listed in §58.1(b) on an activity or project until HUD or the state has approved the recipient's RROF and the related certification from the responsible entity. In addition, until the RROF and the related certification have been approved, neither a recipient nor any participant in the development process may commit non-HUD funds on or undertake an activity or project under a program listed in §58.1(b) if the activity or project would have an adverse environmental impact or limit the choice of reasonable alternatives. (b) If a project or activity is exempt under §58.34, or is categorically excluded (except in extraordinary circumstances) under §58.35(b), no RROF is required and the recipient may undertake the activity immediately after the responsible entity has documented its determination as required in §58.34(b) and §58.35(d), but the recipient must comply with applicable requirements under §58.6. (c) If a recipient is considering an application from a prospective subrecipient or beneficiary and is aware that the prospective subrecipient or beneficiary is about to take an action within the jurisdiction of the recipient that is prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section, then the recipient will take appropriate action to ensure that the objectives and procedures of NEPA are achieved. (d) An option agreement on a proposed site or property is allowable prior to the completion of the environmental review if the option agreement is subject to a determination by the recipient on the desirability of the property for the project as a result of the completion of the environmental review in accordance with this part and the cost of the option is a nominal portion of the purchase price. There is no constraint on the purchase of an option by third parties that have not been selected for HUD funding, have no responsibility for the environmental review and have no say in the approval or disapproval of the project. (e) Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP). In accordance with section 11(d)(2)(A) of the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 12805 note), an organization, consortium, or affiliate receiving assistance under the SHOP program may advance nongrant funds to acquire land prior to completion of an environmental review and approval of a Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and certification, notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section. Any advances to acquire land prior to approval of the RROF and certification are made at the risk of the organization, consortium, or affiliate and reimbursement for such advances may depend on the result of the environmental review. This authorization is limited to the SHOP program only and all other forms of HUD assistance are subject to the limitations in paragraph (a) of this section. (f) Relocation. Funds may be committed for relocation assistance before the approval of the RROF and related certification for the project provided that the relocation assistance is required by 24 CFR part 42. [68 FR 56129, Sept. 29, 2003] The costs of environmental reviews, including costs incurred in complying with any of the related laws and authorities cited in §58.5 and §58.6, are eligible costs to the extent allowable under the HUD assistance program regulations. (a) The environmental review process consists of all the actions that a responsible entity must take to determine compliance with this part. The environmental review process includes all the compliance actions needed for other activities and projects that are not assisted by HUD but are aggregated by the responsible entity in accordance with §58.32. (b) The environmental review process should begin as soon as a recipient determines the projected use of HUD assistance. (a) A responsible entity must group together and evaluate as a single project all individual activities which are related either on a geographical or functional basis, or are logical parts of a composite of contemplated actions. (b) In deciding the most appropriate basis for aggregation when evaluating activities under more than one program, the responsible entity may choose: functional aggregation when a specific type of activity (e.g., water improvements) is to take place in several separate locales or jurisdictions; geographic aggregation when a mix of dissimilar but related activities is to be concentrated in a fairly specific project area (e.g., a combination of water, sewer and street improvements and economic development activities); or a combination of aggregation approaches, which, for various project locations, considers the impacts arising from each functional activity and its interrelationship with other activities. (c) The purpose of project aggregation is to group together related activities so that the responsible entity can: (1) Address adequately and analyze, in a single environmental review, the separate and combined impacts of activities that are similar, connected and closely related, or that are dependent upon other activities and actions. (See 40 CFR 1508.25(a)). (2) Consider reasonable alternative courses of action. (3) Schedule the activities to resolve conflicts or mitigate the individual, combined and/or cumulative effects. (4) Prescribe mitigation measures and safeguards including project alternatives and modifications to individual activities. (d) Multi-year project aggregation—(1) Release of funds. When a recipient's planning and program development provide for activities to be implemented over two or more years, the responsible entity's environmental review should consider the relationship among all component activities of the multi-year project regardless of the source of funds and address and evaluate their cumulative environmental effects. The estimated range of the aggregated activities and the estimated cost of the total project must be listed and described by the responsible entity in the environmental review and included in the RROF. The release of funds will cover the entire project period. (2) When one or more of the conditions described in §58.47 exists, the recipient or other responsible entity must re-evaluate the environmental review. (a) In the cases of emergency, disaster or imminent threat to health and safety which warrant the taking of an action with significant environmental impact, the provisions of 40 CFR 1506.11 shall apply. (b) If funds are needed on an emergency basis and adherence to separate comment periods would prevent the giving of assistance during a Presidentially declared disaster, or during a local emergency that has been declared by the chief elected official of the responsible entity who has proclaimed that there is an immediate need for public action to protect the public safety, the combined Notice of FONSI and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds (NOI/RROF) may be disseminated and/or published simultaneously with the submission of the RROF. The combined Notice of FONSI and NOI/RROF shall state that the funds are needed on an emergency basis due to a declared disaster and that the comment periods have been combined. The Notice shall also invite commenters to submit their comments to both HUD and the responsible entity issuing the notice to ensure that these comments will receive full consideration. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 56129, Sept. 29, 2003] (a) Except for the applicable requirements of §58.6, the responsible entity does not have to comply with the requirements of this part or undertake any environmental review, consultation or other action under NEPA and the other provisions of law or authorities cited in §58.5 for the activities exempt by this section or projects consisting solely of the following exempt activities: (1) Environmental and other studies, resource identification and the development of plans and strategies; (2) Information and financial services; (3) Administrative and management activities; (4) Public services that will not have a physical impact or result in any physical changes, including but not limited to services concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, counseling, energy conservation and welfare or recreational needs; (5) Inspections and testing of properties for hazards or defects; (6) Purchase of insurance; (7) Purchase of tools; (8) Engineering or design costs; (9) Technical assistance and training; (10) Assistance for temporary or permanent improvements that do not alter environmental conditions and are limited to protection, repair, or restoration activities necessary only to control or arrest the effects from disasters or imminent threats to public safety including those resulting from physical deterioration; (11) Payment of principal and interest on loans made or obligations guaranteed by HUD; (12) Any of the categorical exclusions listed in §58.35(a) provided that there are no circumstances which require compliance with any other Federal laws and authorities cited in §58.5. (b) A recipient does not have to submit an RROF and certification, and no further approval from HUD or the State will be needed by the recipient for the drawdown of funds to carry out exempt activities and projects. However, the responsible entity must document in writing its determination that each activity or project is exempt and meets the conditions specified for such exemption under this section. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 15271, Mar. 30, 1998] Categorical exclusion refers to a category of activities for which no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact under NEPA is required, except in extraordinary circumstances (see §58.2(a)(3)) in which a normally excluded activity may have a significant impact. Compliance with the other applicable Federal environmental laws and authorities listed in §58.5 is required for any categorical exclusion listed in paragraph (a) of this section. (a) Categorical exclusions subject to §58.5. The following activities are categorically excluded under NEPA, but may be subject to review under authorities listed in §58.5: (1) Acquisition, repair, improvement, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of public facilities and improvements (other than buildings) when the facilities and improvements are in place and will be retained in the same use without change in size or capacity of more than 20 percent (e.g., replacement of water or sewer lines, reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, repaving of streets). (2) Special projects directed to the removal of material and architectural barriers that restrict the mobility of and accessibility to elderly and handicapped persons. (3) Rehabilitation of buildings and improvements when the following conditions are met: (i) In the case of a building for residential use (with one to four units), the density is not increased beyond four units, the land use is not changed, and the footprint of the building is not increased in a floodplain or in a wetland; (ii) In the case of multifamily residential buildings: (A) Unit density is not changed more than 20 percent; (B) The project does not involve changes in land use from residential to non-residential; and (C) The estimated cost of rehabilitation is less than 75 percent of the total estimated cost of replacement after rehabilitation. (iii) In the case of non-residential structures, including commercial, industrial, and public buildings: (A) The facilities and improvements are in place and will not be changed in size or capacity by more than 20 percent; and (B) The activity does not involve a change in land use, such as from non-residential to residential, commercial to industrial, or from one industrial use to another. (4)(i) An individual action on up to four dwelling units where there is a maximum of four units on any one site. The units can be four one-unit buildings or one four-unit building or any combination in between; or (ii) An individual action on a project of five or more housing units developed on scattered sites when the sites are more than 2,000 feet apart and there are not more than four housing units on any one site. (iii) Paragraphs (a)(4)(i) and (ii) of this section do not apply to rehabilitation of a building for residential use (with one to four units) (see paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section). (5) Acquisition (including leasing) or disposition of, or equity loans on an existing structure, or acquisition (including leasing) of vacant land provided that the structure or land acquired, financed, or disposed of will be retained for the same use. (6) Combinations of the above activities. (b) Categorical exclusions not subject to §58.5. The Department has determined that the following categorically excluded activities would not alter any conditions that would require a review or compliance determination under the Federal laws and authorities cited in §58.5. When the following kinds of activities are undertaken, the responsible entity does not have to publish a NOI/RROF or execute a certification and the recipient does not have to submit a RROF to HUD (or the State) except in the circumstances described in paragraph (c) of this section. Following the award of the assistance, no further approval from HUD or the State will be needed with respect to environmental requirements, except where paragraph (c) of this section applies. The recipient remains responsible for carrying out any applicable requirements under §58.6. (1) Tenant-based rental assistance; (2) Supportive services including, but not limited to, health care, housing services, permanent housing placement, day care, nutritional services, short-term payments for rent/mortgage/utility costs, and assistance in gaining access to local, State, and Federal government benefits and services; (3) Operating costs including maintenance, security, operation, utilities, furnishings, equipment, supplies, staff training and recruitment and other incidental costs; (4) Economic development activities, including but not limited to, equipment purchase, inventory financing, interest subsidy, operating expenses and similar costs not associated with construction or expansion of existing operations; (5) Activities to assist homebuyers to purchase existing dwelling units or dwelling units under construction, including closing costs and down payment assistance, interest buydowns, and similar activities that result in the transfer of title. (6) Affordable housing pre-development costs including legal, consulting, developer and other costs related to obtaining site options, project financing, administrative costs and fees for loan commitments, zoning approvals, and other related activities which do not have a physical impact. (7) Approval of supplemental assistance (including insurance or guarantee) to a project previously approved under this part, if the approval is made by the same responsible entity that conducted the environmental review on the original project and re-evaluation of the environmental findings is not required under §58.47. (c) Circumstances requiring NEPA review. If a responsible entity determines that an activity or project identified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, because of extraordinary circumstances and conditions at or affecting the location of the activity or project, may have a significant environmental effect, it shall comply with all the requirements of this part. (d) The Environmental Review Record (ERR) must contain a well organized written record of the process and determinations made under this section. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 15272, Mar. 30, 1998; 68 FR 56129, Sept. 29, 2003] If a project is not exempt or categorically excluded under §§58.34 and 58.35, the responsible entity must prepare an EA in accordance with subpart E of this part. If it is evident without preparing an EA that an EIS is required under §58.37, the responsible entity should proceed directly to an EIS. (a) An EIS is required when the project is determined to have a potentially significant impact on the human environment. (b) An EIS is required under any of the following circumstances, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section: (1) The project would provide a site or sites for, or result in the construction of, hospitals or nursing homes containing a total of 2,500 or more beds. (2) The project would remove, demolish, convert or substantially rehabilitate 2,500 or more existing housing units (but not including rehabilitation projects categorically excluded under §58.35), or would result in the construction or installation of 2,500 or more housing units, or would provide sites for 2,500 or more housing units. (3) The project would provide enough additional water and sewer capacity to support 2,500 or more additional housing units. The project does not have to be specifically intended for residential use nor does it have to be totally new construction. If the project is designed to provide upgraded service to existing development as well as to serve new development, only that portion of the increased capacity which is intended to serve new development should be counted. (c) If, on the basis of an EA, a responsible entity determines that the thresholds in paragraph (b) of this section are the sole reason for the EIS, the responsible entity may prepare a FONSI pursuant to 40 CFR 1501.4. In such cases, the FONSI must be made available for public review for at least 30 days before the responsible entity makes the final determination whether to prepare an EIS. (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section, an EIS is not required where §58.53 is applicable. (e) Recommended EIS Format. The responsible entity must use the EIS format recommended by the CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1502.10) unless a determination is made on a particular project that there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. In such a case, the EIS format must meet the minimum requirements prescribed in 40 CFR 1502.10. The responsible entity must maintain a written record of the environmental review undertaken under this part for each project. This document will be designated the “Environmental Review Record” (ERR), and shall be available for public review. The responsible entity must use the current HUD-recommended formats or develop equivalent formats. (a) ERR Documents. The ERR shall contain all the environmental review documents, public notices and written determinations or environmental findings required by this part as evidence of review, decisionmaking and actions pertaining to a particular project of a recipient. The document shall: (1) Describe the project and the activities that the recipient has determined to be part of the project; (2) Evaluate the effects of the project or the activities on the human environment; (3) Document compliance with applicable statutes and authorities, in particular those cited in §58.5 and 58.6; and (4) Record the written determinations and other review findings required by this part (e.g., exempt and categorically excluded projects determinations, findings of no significant impact). (b) Other documents and information. The ERR shall also contain verifiable source documents and relevant base data used or cited in EAs, EISs or other project review documents. These documents may be incorporated by reference into the ERR provided that each source document is identified and available for inspection by interested parties. Proprietary material and special studies prepared for the recipient that are not otherwise generally available for public review shall not be incorporated by reference but shall be included in the ERR. The responsible entity may prepare the EA using the HUD recommended format. In preparing an EA for a particular project, the responsible entity must: (a) Determine existing conditions and describe the character, features and resources of the project area and its surroundings; identify the trends that are likely to continue in the absence of the project. (b) Identify all potential environmental impacts, whether beneficial or adverse, and the conditions that would change as a result of the project. (c) Identify, analyze and evaluate all impacts to determine the significance of their effects on the human environment and whether the project will require further compliance under related laws and authorities cited in §58.5 and §58.6. (d) Examine and recommend feasible ways in which the project or external factors relating to the project could be modified in order to eliminate or minimize adverse environmental impacts. (e) Examine alternatives to the project itself, if appropriate, including the alternative of no action. (f) Complete all environmental review requirements necessary for the project's compliance with applicable authorities cited in §§58.5 and 58.6. (g) Based on steps set forth in paragraph (a) through (f) of this section, make one of the following findings: (1) A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), in which the responsible entity determines that the project is not an action that will result in a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. The responsible entity may then proceed to §58.43. (2) A finding of significant impact, in which the project is deemed to be an action which may significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The responsible entity must then proceed with its environmental review under subpart F or G of this part. (a) If the responsible entity makes a finding of no significant impact, it must prepare a FONSI notice, using the current HUD-recommended format or an equivalent format. As a minimum, the responsible entity must send the FONSI notice to individuals and groups known to be interested in the activities, to the local news media, to the appropriate tribal, local, State and Federal agencies; to the Regional Offices of the Environmental Protection Agency having jurisdiction and to the HUD Field Office (or the State where applicable). The responsible entity may also publish the FONSI notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the affected community. If the notice is not published, it must also be prominently displayed in public buildings, such as the local Post Office and within the project area or in accordance with procedures established as part of the citizen participation process. (b) The responsible entity may disseminate or publish a FONSI notice at the same time it disseminates or publishes the NOI/RROF required by §58.70. If the notices are released as a combined notice, the combined notice shall: (1) Clearly indicate that it is intended to meet two separate procedural requirements; and (2) Advise the public to specify in their comments which “notice” their comments address. (c) The responsible entity must consider the comments and make modifications, if appropriate, in response to the comments, before it completes its environmental certification and before the recipient submits its RROF. If funds will be used in Presidentially declared disaster areas, modifications resulting from public comment, if appropriate, must be made before proceeding with the expenditure of funds. Required notices must afford the public the following minimum comment periods, counted in accordance with §58.21: [68 FR 56130, Sept. 29, 2003] The responsible entity must make the FONSI available for public comments for 30 days before the recipient files the RROF when: (a) There is a considerable interest or controversy concerning the project; (b) The proposed project is similar to other projects that normally require the preparation of an EIS; or (c) The project is unique and without precedent. (a) A responsible entity must re-evaluate its environmental findings to determine if the original findings are still valid, when: (1) The recipient proposes substantial changes in the nature, magnitude or extent of the project, including adding new activities not anticipated in the original scope of the project; (2) There are new circumstances and environmental conditions which may affect the project or have a bearing on its impact, such as concealed or unexpected conditions discovered during the implementation of the project or activity which is proposed to be continued; or (3) The recipient proposes the selection of an alternative not in the original finding. (b)(1) If the original findings are still valid but the data or conditions upon which they were based have changed, the responsible entity must affirm the original findings and update its ERR by including this re-evaluation and its determination based on its findings. Under these circumstances, if a FONSI notice has already been published, no further publication of a FONSI notice is required. (2) If the responsible entity determines that the original findings are no longer valid, it must prepare an EA or an EIS if its evaluation indicates potentially significant impacts. (3) Where the recipient is not the responsible entity, the recipient must inform the responsible entity promptly of any proposed substantial changes under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, new circumstances or environmental conditions under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or any proposals to select a different alternative under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, and must then permit the responsible entity to re-evaluate the findings before proceeding. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 15272, Mar. 30, 1998] The responsible entity may adopt a draft or final EIS prepared by another agency provided that the EIS was prepared in accordance with 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508. If the responsible entity adopts an EIS prepared by another agency, the procedure in 40 CFR 1506.3 shall be followed. An adopted EIS may have to be revised and modified to adapt it to the particular environmental conditions and circumstances of the project if these are different from the project reviewed in the EIS. In such cases the responsible entity must prepare, circulate, and file a supplemental draft EIS in the manner prescribed in §58.60(d) and otherwise comply with the clearance and time requirements of the EIS process, except that scoping requirements under 40 CFR 1501.7 shall not apply. The agency that prepared the original EIS should be informed that the responsible entity intends to amend and adopt the EIS. The responsible entity may adopt an EIS when it acts as a cooperating agency in its preparation under 40 CFR 1506.3. The responsible entity is not required to re-circulate or file the EIS, but must complete the clearance process for the RROF. The decision to adopt an EIS shall be made a part of the project ERR. Where any final EIS has been listed in the (a) The ERR contains a decision based on a finding pursuant to §58.40 that the proposed project is not a new major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The decision shall include: (1) References to the prior EIS and its evaluation of the environmental factors affecting the proposed subsequent action subject to NEPA; (2) An evaluation of any environmental factors which may not have been previously assessed, or which may have significantly changed; (3) An analysis showing that the proposed project is consistent with the location, use, and density assumptions for the site and with the timing and capacity of the circulation, utility, and other supporting infrastructure assumptions in the prior EIS; (4) Documentation showing that where the previous EIS called for mitigating measures or other corrective action, these are completed to the extent reasonable given the current state of development. (b) The prior final EIS has been filed within five (5) years, and updated as follows: (1) The EIS has been updated to reflect any significant revisions made to the assumptions under which the original EIS was prepared; (2) The EIS has been updated to reflect new environmental issues and data or legislation and implementing regulations which may have significant environmental impact on the project area covered by the prior EIS. (c) There is no litigation pending in connection with the prior EIS, and no final judicial finding of inadequacy of the prior EIS has been made. As soon as practicable after the responsible entity decides to prepare an EIS, it must publish a NOI/EIS, using the HUD recommended format and disseminate it in the same manner as required by 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508. The determination on whether or not to hold a scoping meeting will depend on the same circumstances and factors as for the holding of public hearings under §58.59. The responsible entity must wait at least 15 days after disseminating or publishing the NOI/EIS before holding a scoping meeting. If there are several agencies ready to assume the lead role, the responsible entity must make its decision based on the criteria in 40 CFR 1501.5(c). If the responsible entity and a Federal agency are unable to reach agreement, then the responsible entity must notify HUD (or the State, where applicable). HUD (or the State) will assist in obtaining a determination based on the procedure set forth in 40 CFR 1501.5(e). (a) Factors to consider. In determining whether or not to hold public hearings in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.6, the responsible entity must consider the following factors: (1) The magnitude of the project in terms of economic costs, the geographic area involved, and the uniqueness or size of commitment of resources involved. (2) The degree of interest in or controversy concerning the project. (3) The complexity of the issues and the likelihood that information will be presented at the hearing which will be of assistance to the responsible entity. (4) The extent to which public involvement has been achieved through other means. (b) Procedure. All public hearings must be preceded by a notice of public hearing, which must be published in the local news media 15 days before the hearing date. The Notice must: (1) State the date, time, place, and purpose of the hearing or meeting. (2) Describe the project, its estimated costs, and the project area. (3) State that persons desiring to be heard on environmental issues will be afforded the opportunity to be heard. (4) State the responsible entity's name and address and the name and address of its Certifying Officer. (5) State what documents are available, where they can be obtained, and any charges that may apply. (a) The responsible entity must prepare the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and the final environmental impact statements (FEIS) using the current HUD recommended format or its equivalent. (b) The responsible entity must file and distribute the (DEIS) and the (FEIS) in the following manner: (1) Five copies to EPA Headquarters; (2) Five copies to EPA Regional Office; (3) Copies made available in the responsible entity's and the recipient's office; (4) Copies or summaries made available to persons who request them; and (5) FEIS only—one copy to State, HUD Field Office, and HUD Headquarters library. (c) The responsible entity may request waivers from the time requirements specified for the draft and final EIS as prescribed in 40 CFR 1506.6. (d) When substantial changes are proposed in a project or when significant new circumstances or information becomes available during an environmental review, the recipient may prepare a supplemental EIS as prescribed in 40 CFR 1502.9. (e) The responsible entity must prepare a Record of Decision (ROD) as prescribed in 40 CFR 1505.2. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 15272, Mar. 30, 1998] The NOI/RROF must be disseminated and/or published in the manner prescribed by §58.43 and §58.45 before the certification is signed by the responsible entity. (a) The RROF and certification shall be sent to the appropriate HUD Field Office (or the State, if applicable), except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. This request shall be executed by the Certifying Officer. The request shall describe the specific project and activities covered by the request and contain the certification required under the applicable statute cited in §58.1(b). The RROF and certification must be in a form specified by HUD. (b) When the responsible entity is conducting an environmental review on behalf of a recipient, as provided for in §58.10, the recipient must provide the responsible entity with all available project and environmental information and refrain from undertaking any physical activities or choice limiting actions until HUD (or the State, if applicable) has approved its request for release of funds. The certification form executed by the responsible entity's certifying officer shall be sent to the recipient that is to receive the assistance along with a description of any special environmental conditions that must be adhered to in carrying out the project. The recipient is to submit the RROF and the certification of the responsible entity to HUD (or the State, if applicable) requesting the release of funds. The recipient must agree to abide by the special conditions, procedures and requirements of the environmental review, and to advise the responsible entity of any proposed change in the scope of the project or any change in environmental conditions. (c) If the responsible entity determines that some of the activities are exempt under applicable provisions of this part, the responsible entity shall advise the recipient that it may commit funds for these activities as soon as programmatic authorization is received. This finding shall be documented in the ERR maintained by the responsible entity and in the recipient's project files. The actions which HUD (or a State) may take with respect to a recipient's environmental certification and RROF are as follows: (a) In the absence of any receipt of objection to the contrary, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, HUD (or the State) will assume the validity of the certification and RROF and will approve these documents after expiration of the 15-day period prescribed by statute. (b) HUD (or the state) may disapprove a certification and RROF if it has knowledge that the responsible entity or other participants in the development process have not complied with the items in §58.75, or that the RROF and certification are inaccurate. (c) In cases in which HUD has approved a certification and RROF but subsequently learns (e.g., through monitoring) that the recipient violated §58.22 or the recipient or responsible entity otherwise failed to comply with a clearly applicable environmental authority, HUD shall impose appropriate remedies and sanctions in accord with the law and regulations for the program under which the violation was found. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 56130, Sept. 29, 2003] HUD (or the State) will not approve the ROF for any project before 15 calendar days have elapsed from the time of receipt of the RROF and the certification or from the time specified in the notice published pursuant to §58.70, whichever is later. Any person or agency may object to a recipient's RROF and the related certification. However, the objections must meet the conditions and procedures set forth in subpart H of this part. HUD (or the State) can refuse the RROF and certification on any grounds set forth in §58.75. All decisions by HUD (or the State) regarding the RROF and the certification shall be final. All objections must be received by HUD (or the State) within 15 days from the time HUD (or the State) receives the recipient's RROF and the related certification, or within the time period specified in the notice, whichever is later. HUD (or the State), will consider objections claiming a responsible entity's noncompliance with this part based only on any of the following grounds: (a) The certification was not in fact executed by the responsible entity's Certifying Officer. (b) The responsible entity has failed to make one of the two findings pursuant to §58.40 or to make the written determination required by §§58.35, 58.47 or 58.53 for the project, as applicable. (c) The responsible entity has omitted one or more of the steps set forth at subpart E of this part for the preparation, publication and completion of an EA. (d) The responsible entity has omitted one or more of the steps set forth at subparts F and G of this part for the conduct, preparation, publication and completion of an EIS. (e) The recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by this part before release of funds and approval of the environmental certification by HUD (or the state). (f) Another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. [61 FR 19122, Apr. 30, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 56130, Sept. 29, 2003] A person or agency objecting to a responsible entity's RROF and certification shall submit objections in writing to HUD (or the State). The objections shall: (a) Include the name, address and telephone number of the person or agency submitting the objection, and be signed by the person or authorized official of an agency. (b) Be dated when signed. (c) Describe the basis for objection and the facts or legal authority supporting the objection. (d) State when a copy of the objection was mailed or delivered to the responsible entity's Certifying Officer. (a) Responsibilities of HUD and States. HUD's (or, where applicable, the State's) approval of the certification shall be deemed to satisfy the responsibilities of the Secretary under NEPA and related provisions of law cited at §58.5 insofar as those responsibilities relate to the release of funds as authorized by the applicable provisions of law cited in §58.1(b). (b) Public and agency redress. Persons and agencies seeking redress in relation to environmental reviews covered by an approved certification shall deal with the responsible entity and not with HUD. It is HUD's policy to refer all inquiries and complaints to the responsible entity and its Certifying Officer. Similarly, the State (where applicable) may direct persons and agencies seeking redress in relation to environmental reviews covered by an approved certification to deal with the responsible entity, and not the State, and may refer inquiries and complaints to the responsible entity and its Certifying Officer. Remedies for noncompliance are set forth in program regulations. (c) Implementation of environmental review decisions. Projects of a recipient will require post-review monitoring and other inspection and enforcement actions by the recipient and the State or HUD (using procedures provided for in program regulations) to assure that decisions adopted through the environmental review process are carried out during project development and implementation. (d) Responsibility for monitoring and training. (1) At least once every three years, HUD intends to conduct in-depth monitoring and exercise quality control (through training and consultation) over the environmental activities performed by responsible entities under this part. Limited monitoring of these environmental activities will be conducted during each program monitoring site visit. If through limited or in-depth monitoring of these environmental activities or by other means, HUD becomes aware of any environmental deficiencies, HUD may take one or more of the following actions: (i) In the case of problems found during limited monitoring, HUD may schedule in-depth monitoring at an earlier date or may schedule in-depth monitoring more frequently; (ii) HUD may require attendance by staff of the responsible entity at HUD-sponsored or approved training, which will be provided periodically at various locations around the country; (iii) HUD may refuse to accept the certifications of environmental compliance on subsequent grants; (iv) HUD may suspend or terminate the responsible entity's assumption of the environmental review responsibility; (v) HUD may initiate sanctions, corrective actions, or other remedies specified in program regulations or agreements or contracts with the recipient. (2) HUD's responsibilities and action under paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall not be construed to limit or reduce any responsibility assumed by a responsible entity with respect to any particular release of funds under this part. Whether or not HUD takes action under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the Certifying Officer remains the responsible Federal official under §58.13 with respect to projects and activities for which the Certifying Officer has submitted a certification under this part.
Title 24: Housing and Urban Development
PART 58—ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURES FOR ENTITIES ASSUMING HUD ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Section Contents
§ 58.1 Purpose and applicability.
§ 58.2 Terms, abbreviations and definitions.
§ 58.4 Assumption authority.
§ 58.5 Related Federal laws and authorities.
§ 58.6 Other requirements.
§ 58.10 Basic environmental responsibility.
§ 58.11 Legal capacity and performance.
§ 58.12 Technical and administrative capacity.
§ 58.13 Responsibilities of the certifying officer.
§ 58.14 Interaction with State, Federal and non-Federal entities.
§ 58.15 Tiering.
§ 58.17 [Reserved]
§ 58.18 Responsibilities of States assuming HUD environmental responsibilities.
§ 58.21 Time periods.
§ 58.22 Limitations on activities pending clearance.
§ 58.23 Financial assistance for environmental review.
§ 58.30 Environmental review process.
§ 58.32 Project aggregation.
§ 58.33 Emergencies.
§ 58.34 Exempt activities.
§ 58.35 Categorical exclusions.
§ 58.36 Environmental assessments.
§ 58.37 Environmental impact statement determinations.
§ 58.38 Environmental review record.
§ 58.40 Preparing the environmental assessment.
§ 58.43 Dissemination and/or publication of the findings of no significant impact.
§ 58.45 Public comment periods.
§ 58.46 Time delays for exceptional circumstances.
§ 58.47 Re-evaluation of environmental assessments and other environmental findings.
§ 58.52 Adoption of other agencies' EISs.
§ 58.53 Use of prior environmental impact statements.
§ 58.55 Notice of intent to prepare an EIS.
§ 58.56 Scoping process.
§ 58.57 Lead agency designation.
§ 58.59 Public hearings and meetings.
§ 58.60 Preparation and filing of environmental impact statements.
§ 58.70 Notice of intent to request release of funds.
§ 58.71 Request for release of funds and certification.
§ 58.72 HUD or State actions on RROFs and certifications.
§ 58.73 Objections to release of funds.
§ 58.74 Time for objecting.
§ 58.75 Permissible bases for objections.
§ 58.76 Procedure for objections.
§ 58.77 Effect of approval of certification.
Subpart A—Purpose, Legal Authority, Federal Laws and Authorities
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§ 58.1 Purpose and applicability.
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§ 58.2 Terms, abbreviations and definitions.
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§ 58.4 Assumption authority.
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§ 58.5 Related Federal laws and authorities.
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§ 58.6 Other requirements.
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Subpart B—General Policy: Responsibilities of Responsible Entities
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§ 58.10 Basic environmental responsibility.
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§ 58.11 Legal capacity and performance.
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§ 58.12 Technical and administrative capacity.
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§ 58.13 Responsibilities of the certifying officer.
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§ 58.14 Interaction with State, Federal and non-Federal entities.
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§ 58.15 Tiering.
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§ 58.17 [Reserved]
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§ 58.18 Responsibilities of States assuming HUD environmental responsibilities.
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Subpart C—General Policy: Environmental Review Procedures
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§ 58.21 Time periods.
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§ 58.22 Limitations on activities pending clearance.
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§ 58.23 Financial assistance for environmental review.
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Subpart D—Environmental Review Process: Documentation, Range of Activities, Project Aggregation and Classification
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§ 58.30 Environmental review process.
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§ 58.32 Project aggregation.
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§ 58.33 Emergencies.
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§ 58.34 Exempt activities.
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§ 58.35 Categorical exclusions.
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§ 58.36 Environmental assessments.
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§ 58.37 Environmental impact statement determinations.
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§ 58.38 Environmental review record.
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Subpart E—Environmental Review Process: Environmental Assessments (EA's)
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§ 58.40 Preparing the environmental assessment.
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§ 58.43 Dissemination and/or publication of the findings of no significant impact.
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§ 58.45 Public comment periods.
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------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------(a) Notice of Finding of No Significant 15 days when published or, if Impact (FONSI). no publication, 18 days when mailing and posting(b) Notice of Intent to Request Release 7 days when published or, if no of Funds (NOI-RROF). publication, 10 days when mailing and posting(c) Concurrent or combined notices..... 15 days when published or, if no publication, 18 days when mailing and posting------------------------------------------------------------------------
§ 58.46 Time delays for exceptional circumstances.
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§ 58.47 Re-evaluation of environmental assessments and other environmental findings.
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Subpart F—Environmental Review Process: Environmental Impact Statement Determinations
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§ 58.52 Adoption of other agencies' EISs.
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§ 58.53 Use of prior environmental impact statements.
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Subpart G—Environmental Review Process: Procedures for Draft, Final and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statements
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§ 58.55 Notice of intent to prepare an EIS.
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§ 58.56 Scoping process.
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§ 58.57 Lead agency designation.
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§ 58.59 Public hearings and meetings.
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§ 58.60 Preparation and filing of environmental impact statements.
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Subpart H—Release of Funds for Particular Projects
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§ 58.70 Notice of intent to request release of funds.
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§ 58.71 Request for release of funds and certification.
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§ 58.72 HUD or State actions on RROFs and certifications.
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§ 58.73 Objections to release of funds.
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§ 58.74 Time for objecting.
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§ 58.75 Permissible bases for objections.
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§ 58.76 Procedure for objections.
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§ 58.77 Effect of approval of certification.
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