Environmental statements consist of the following:
A. Project Description.
1. The name of the project and its location (city and county or counties). The precise location and boundaries of the proposed project must be shown on a detailed map included in the E.S.A. 7 1/2 minute USGS Topographic Quadrangle Map or portion thereof is the most desirable where available.
The map included, if not a USGS Topographic Map, must include at a minimum the section, range and township coordinates.
The location of the project must also appear on a regional map, with significant environmental areas and landmarks indicated in relation to the project area(s).
2. The statement of the objectives sought by the proposed project.
3. A general description of the project’s physical (technical) and socioeconomic characteristics. This statement should be a description of the project which considers the full range of values to be derived as well as a discussion of the principal engineering proposals. The discussion, however, should not be padded with unnecessary description but should include only detail as needed for evaluation and review of the environmental impact.
B. Environmental Description. The description of the environmental setting should be of the setting without (before) the project. Discussion should include the immediate areas of the project and the regional aspects of the environment which surrounds the project area. Knowledge of the regional setting is critical to the assessment of environmental impacts. Legal, policy and institutional constraints relevant to the project area should be identified. The environment of the project area should be described in terms of its natural (physical and biological) and socio-economic setting, with special emphasis on those rare and unique aspects, both good and bad, which might not be common to other similar regions. The discussion should provide sufficient information to permit an independent evaluation of the environmental factors which could be affected by the proposed project, such as the plant and animal communities known to be associated with the project area. Specific reference to other related project activities, both public and private, in the region should be included.
C. Environmental Impact Statement. All phases of a project must be considered when evaluating the impact of the project on the environment; planning, acquisition, development and the operational effects during the life of the project:
1. The environmental impact of the proposed action;
2. Any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided if the proposal is implemented;
3. Mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact;
4. Alternative to the proposed action;
5. The relationship between local short-term uses and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity;
6. Any irreversible environmental changes which would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented;
7. The growth-inducing impact of the proposed action.
D. Evaluation and conclusions should be included at the end of the report. (Res. 72-539(part), 1972).

Members of the public may bring to the attention of the responsible agencies environmental impacts which they contend will result from the proposed actions. The environmental statement should set out those contentions and opinions, even if it finds no merit to them. It should contain opinions with respect to all viewpoints. (Res. 72-539(part), 1972).

Research is to be directed to the formulation of a program, not to substantiate a program already decided upon. This item is critical in the preparation and evaluation of environmental statements. (Res. 72-539(part), 1972).

In addition, it is recommended, but not required, that an environmental statement include a statement detailing how the project fits in with the adopted policies, standards, and general plans of all involved jurisdictions. (Does the project represent a significant advance toward implementation of these policies, standards and plans? Does it suggest that some modification is needed?) (Res. 72-539(part), 1972).