The Central California Agency's Environmental Quality Services (EQS) program provides for the routine review of Categorical Exemptions, Environmental Assessments (EAs), Environmental Impact Statements(EISs), Archaeological Surveys, Cultural Surveys, Biological Surveys, and Phase I Surveys. In addition, the EQS program coordinates activities with other programs and agencies for compliance with environmental laws and regulations dealing with solid waste cleanup, hazardous waste and materials spill response and cleanup activities; asbestos, lead based paint, radon, and mold risk assessments; Housing Improvement (HIP), Realty Lease and Rights of Way, Natural Resources, Forestry, Water Resources, Grazing, etc. Program coordination.
The EQS Program activities include projects that require approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and/or that include federal funding. Program assistance is provided through the preparation and review of documentation submitted to the Central California Agency; processing actions that require documentation in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NEPA), and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); conducting reviews of actions proposed by Tribal governments and other Federal agencies that may affect Tribal lands, and performing EAs and Surveys involving natural resource damage assessments.
The EQS program ensures compliance with NEPA, which has a substantial effect on how Federal agencies conduct their planning and decision-making processes. The process required by NEPA follows the fundamental principles of sound decision-making procedures. These procedures significantly improve the quality and timelines of agency decisions and Tribal project objectives. The EQS program provides technical assistance for NEPA compliance for the 56 Tribes within the Central California Agency's jurisdiction. Technical assistance will be provided for the review of EAs, EISs, Records of Decision (RODs), and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs) documents. Additionally, technical assistance will be provided to ensure Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulatory compliance for program objectives related to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program, Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) program, HIP, Fee-to-Trust program, Individual allottees, and for tribal project proposals.
For further information or technical assistance please contact your local BIA office. Tribes served by the Central California Agency may call (279) 444-0323.
