Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2007
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department / School
Biology
Abstract
Federal policymakers have been seeking ways to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and decision-making process with increased technology utilization and federal collaboration. The objective of the research was to gain insights on whether or not the use of geographic information systems (GIS) benefited the preparation and review of NEPA documents and in particular improved the understanding of the important elements in a sample environmental assessment (EA). Two abridged EAs, one using GIS and the other not, were developed for a watershed plan for nearly 400,000 acres on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Eight reviewers, two from each of four stakeholder categories, including the general public, GIS practitioners, NEPA practitioners and Federal/Tribal reviewers, were asked to review each EA and complete a survey. A follow-up interview was conducted to obtain comparative data. Survey results indicated that it took the reviewers less time to understand the key environmental issues in the EA with GIS. When interviewed, they said the EA with GIS gave them a better understanding of the alternatives for erosion control. Most of the reviewers said that the presentation of technical issues with spatial images was easier to review, which may encourage greater public involvement. Interviews also revealed that utilizing GIS in the preparation of NEPA documents may make the process more interdisciplinary and collaborative. The researcher concluded that improvements in the NEPA decision-making process may be realized in the areas of interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration and public involvement with the use of GIS in NEPA documents.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
United States. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
Environmental policy -- United States -- Decision making
Geographic information systems
Watershed management -- South Dakota -- Cheyenne River Indian Reservation
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
217
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Chapman, Cheryl Black, "Using Geographic Information Systems to Improve Decision-Making in the National Environmental Policy Act Processes" (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1410.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1410