A very important component of the NEPA process is involvement of the public. During the development of the EIS, there are several opportunities for the public to learn about, and comment on, the project and the content of the EIS. The first such opportunity is what is called “scoping.” Scoping occurs after it has been decided that an EIS should be done. It is an early and open process wherein the public, including individual citizens, local, state, and federal officials, and other interested parties (e.g., representatives of other federal and state agencies, special interest groups, etc.), can assist, through oral and written comment, in developing the “scope” of issues to be addressed in the EIS and in identifying significant issues related to the proposed action. A public comment period generally 45 to 60 days long is part of the scoping process.

The second opportunity for public involvement is the 45-day public review and comment period associated with distribution of the draft EIS, or DEIS; in fact, public involvement in the review of DEISs is stipulated in 40 CFR Part 1503 of the CEQ regulations implementing NEPA and the Navy’s NEPA regulations (32 CFR Part 775). At least one public hearing is held during this 45-day period.

The third opportunity for public comment is a 30-day review and comment period following issuance of the final EIS, which has addressed all comments received on the draft EIS.