A critical first step in the EIS process is scoping. Scoping is the process by which the lead agency for preparation of the EIS seeks comment and input from the public, stakeholders, members of local, state, and federal agencies, and others on the range of studies and issues to be addressed in the Draft EIS (DEIS). Through the scoping process for the EIS for the Goethals Bridge Replacement, the Coast Guard received comment and input on the purpose and need and related goals for the proposed bridge replacement; the studies to be conducted; the types of alternatives to be considered; and the significant project-related issues to be addressed in the Draft EIS (DEIS).

The Coast Guard initiated scoping with publication of a Notice of Intent to prepare the EIS for the Goethals Bridge Replacement.

Following publication of the DEIS, the document was made available for agency and public review and comment. The Coast Guard issued a Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register to announce that the DEIS was available for review; identified the period during which comments could be submitted; and provided information about public hearing dates and locations. At the public hearings and during the DEIS comment period, the Coast Guard received agency and public comments on the DEIS.

Finally, the Coast Guard assessed and considered all comments on the DEIS, and responded to the comments in the Final EIS (FEIS). All substantive comments received on the DEIS were addressed in the FEIS which was issued in August 2010, and the FEIS identified the New Alignment South as the Coast Guard’s selected alternative. View the EIS Process