The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the availability of the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)/Record of Decision (ROD), following the FAA’s evaluation of the potential environmental effects of its decision related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) (drone) package delivery operations in the United States.
According to the report’s findings
“After reviewing and analyzing available data and information on existing conditions and potential impacts, as well as the noise mitigation identified in the PEA which operators must implement to avoid significant noise impacts, the FAA has determined the proposed action would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Therefore, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required, and the FAA is issuing this FONSI/ROD. The FAA has made this determination in accordance with applicable environmental laws and FAA regulations. The PEA is incorporated by reference into this FONSI/ROD. For UAS package delivery operations that exceed the limits of the analysis in the PEA, the FAA will supplement the environmental review in the PEA through a separate NEPA document or tiering.”
For more information
https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/nepa_and_drones/Part_135_Final_PEA_FONSI-ROD-NOA_Appendices_A-D_Final.pdf
(Image: Wing)