Federal law requires an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) when a federally funded project has the potential to significantly affect the natural or human environment. The types of effects considered include:

• community impacts
• relocations
• visual impacts
• changes to the local traffic network.

 (You will find a comprehensive list of effects considered in a typical EIS in the table at the end of this page.)

The EIS provides a detailed discussion of these effects. It informs decision makers and the public of reasonable alternatives that would minimize adverse effects or enhance quality of life.

Steps for this EIS  

• MDOT began the EIS process for the Blue Water Bridge Plaza Reconstruction in January 2005.
• A draft EIS is expected to be released for public review in summer 2007.
• Following the release of the Draft EIS, MDOT will hold a formal public hearing.
• After the public hearing, MDOT and Federal Highways Administration will prepare a Final EIS.
• The study will conclude with a Record of Decision, which will formally select one of several alternatives for design and construction.

Effects studied in a typical EIS

The table below shows types of effects considered in a typical EIS.  Not all are applicable to the Blue Water Bridge Plaza study.