USDA Environmental Assessment Worksheet For Proposed Iowa Food Processing Plant

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: USDA Environmental Assessment Worksheet For Proposed Food Processing Plant
Client: Food Processer and Regional Economic Development Corporation
Location(s): Iowa

Key Elements: USDA Environmental Assessment Worksheet, Environmental Effects & Impacts, Regulatory and Permitting Requirements

Overview: Caltha LLP was retained by the project proposer, a food processing company, and the Regional Economic Development Corporation to prepare an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed project as required by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to secure a USDA backed loan for the project. Caltha staff worked in coordination with the project proposer and local USDA staff to prepare the EAW document. EAW elements evaluated included:

I. Project Description Purpose and Need

II. Primary Beneficiaries and Related Activities

III. Description of the Project Area

IV. Environmental Impacts Resource Criteria

1. Air Quality

2. Surface Water, Water Supply Quality, Groundwater, Storm Water, and Waste Water

3. Solid Waste Management and Hazardous Waste Management

4. General Land Use 5

. Transportation

6. Natural Environment

7. Human Population Socio-Economic/Environmental Justice

8. Construction

9. Energy

10. Miscellaneous

V. Coastal Zone Management Areas

VI. Cultural Resources, Historical, Archaeological

VII. Wild and Scenic Rivers

VIII. Biological Resources Critical Habitat and Endangered/Threatened Species Act

IX. Important Farmland

X. Floodplain Management and Wetlands Management

XI. Coastal Barrier Resources System

XII. State Environmental Policy Act

XIII. Intergovernmental Review

XIV. Environmental Analysis Of Participating Federal Agency

XV. Reaction To Project

XVI. Cumulative Impacts

XVII. Adverse Impacts

XVIII. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

XIX. Mitigation

XX. Consistency with Rural Development Environmental Policies

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Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address Environmental Review and Environmental Impact Assessment. Caltha Environmental Review Website

Smart Growth Workshop in Iowa

The City of Waverly, Iowa, will host a workshop and open house on May 26-27, to solicit input from residents on how the community should determine future growth. The events are designed to explore “Smart Growth” solutions for future community planning efforts.

“Smart Growth” planning is a concept that guides future development decision-making in ways that enhance economic opportunity, protect environmental resources and public health, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. For Waverly, “Smart Growth” will also examine how the community can become better prepared to withstand flooding.

Through such events, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Rural Development, the Rebuild Iowa Office and the Iowa Department of Economic Development are cooperating to assist flood-impacted Iowa communities that have expressed the desire to rebuild using the EPA Smart Growth Planning Program.

The workshop will allow participants to hear from national experts about preliminary design recommendations for neighborhoods around Waverly. Participants will be able to make comments and provide feedback on the designs. There will also be a discussion about Iowa’s Smart Planning Principles and how they can be applied in Waverly.

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address Environmental Review and Environmental Impact Assessment.

Caltha Environmental Review Website