Introduction
The National Environmental Policy Act, established by the United States government in 1969, meant to play a key role environmental protection. Among the roles of this Act is to pronounce a national policy that will not only create a prolific and pleasant harmony between man and his environment, but also endorse strategies aimed at preventing environmental degradation and arouse the health and welfare of humanity. However, the Act brought effects especially to federal agencies (United States Department of Transportation, 2011, p.1).
Is the NEPA process too lengthy for airport expansions?
Since the time it came into effect, there have been major changes in the way federal agencies carry out their activities. The Act mandates all federal agencies to follow the laid down procedures of credible environmental effects before engaging any expansion activity or project. As a result, airport expansions, definitely falling under federal grant, suffers the effects of the Act as airport expansions fall within the purview of the Act. In a way, the NEPA process has proved lengthy for airport expansion due to the very many processes that are involved. According to NEPA, the agency charged with environmental responsibility must study the consequences such an airport expansion will have to the environment and then give advice accordingly. In other words, since NEPA is a routine statute, it is bound to take a lot of time hence, lengthy for airport expansions. Moreover, the agency will also consider other side effects that may arise form the project. First, the agency will conduct a survey to determine the suitability of the project and give either Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) depending on the determination. If the agency grants a go ahead, that is, FONSI, the next step is the issuance of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for public participation. The agency will review the comments from the public and issue a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) before issuing a Record of Decision (ROD), which is the final decision granting the commencement of the project. The entire period will take between 12 and 18 months to grant permission. In some cases, the opponents of the airport expansion can sue the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport operator if indeed they failed to comply with the NEPA process. This might also take another time that would definitely delay the project. Thus, in trying to observe the NEPA process to the letter in order to avoid lawsuits, the NEPA process seems lengthy for airport expansions (Chevalier & Lichman, 2006, p.1).
Does this have an effect on safety?
Though it appears lengthy, the NEPA process has an effect on safety. To start with, the process must ensure and safeguard the environment from destruction thus, protecting the health and welfare of the people. While the aim of airport expansion is to increase the revenue generated, without the NEPA procedural statute, the project can turn out to be hazardous. Next, new terminals and runways lead to water, air and sound pollution—and the result will be urban sprawl. Nevertheless, airport expansion will enhance safety within the airports, as there will be more space.
The implications of this FA Act on public safety and responsibility of the air carrier
The US Congress enacted the FA Act in order to enhance public safety. The body charged with the mandate of ensuring the implementation of the FA Act, FAA, took the responsibility of ensuring public safety. The FA Act plays significant roles in ensuring public safety. For example, the Act mandates the FAA to review the mechanical architecture, and including the design and maintenance of aircrafts. The act also gives the time limit for crew training and sets operational prerequisites for major airports and airline companies. In short, the FA Act acts as a public watchdog through the establishment of policies governing airline safety (Air Transport Association of America, 2011, p.1).
Reference List
Air Transport Association of America. (2011). Airline Handbook Chapter 6: Safety. Web.
Chevalier, A. & Lichman, L. (2006). The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Web.
United States Department of Transportation. (2011). The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Web.