According to Section 2.3.1 in the National Environmental Policy Handbook, actions that must be taken immediately to protect public health and safety or important resources qualify as emergency.
Examples include
- Cleanup of a hazardous materials spill
- Wildland fire suppression activities related to ongoing wildland fires
- Stabilization actions following wildland fires or other disasters
Actions not immediately needed to protect public health and safety or important resources must undergo normal NEPA procedures. In some cases, alternative arrangements may be available to comply with NEPA.
RELATED: More Emergency Roundups in the Works.
