Categorical Exclusion

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The following categorical exclusions do not require NEPA documentation.

Exclusion Text

(USDA-03c-OSEC) Inventories, research activities, and studies, such as resource inventories and routine data collection when such actions are clearly limited in context and intensity. Examples include, but are not limited to: (i) Identifications, inspections, surveys, sampling, testing, and monitoring that does not cause physical alteration of the environment; (ii) Laboratory research involving the evaluation and use of chemicals in a manner not specifically listed on the product label pursuant to applicable Federal authorizations; (iii) Research evaluating wildlife management products or tools, such as animal repellents, frightening devices, or fencing, that is carried out in a manner and area designed to eliminate the potential for harmful environmental effects and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements; (iv) Research operations conducted within any laboratory, greenhouse or other contained facility where research practices and safeguards prevent environment impacts, such as the release of hazardous materials into the environment; (v) Testing outside of the laboratory, such as in small, isolated field plots, which involves the routine use of familiar chemicals or biological materials and does not involve the use of control agents requiring containment or a special license or a permit from a regulatory agency. (vi) Soil surveys; (vii) Snow surveys and water supply forecasts; (viii) Plant materials for conservation; (ix) Inventory and monitoring; (x) River Basin Studies under section 6 of Pub. L. 83-566, as amended.