Environmental Guidance Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and HUD regulations that implement NEPA before any project funds can be committed or spent. The purpose of the Environmental Review (ER) is to protect both the natural environment and the environmental health and safety of those we assist.
The HUD Exchange is the official Environmental Review website for the Department’s Office of Environment and Energy (OEE). It should be your primary resource for the most current HUD policies, guidance, checklists, tools, and information on the ER process. In addition to the HUD Exchange, Region X maintains resources specific to the Pacific Northwest, which you will find referenced in this guide.
The Laws and Authorities listed below either:
- Apply specifically to the state indicated, because that state may have unique processes or guidance.
- Links to other resources that are useful for compliance in Region X.
If you are new to conducting Environmental Reviews, start by exploring the components of an ER (link). This resource covers both 24 CFR Part 50 and 24 CFR Part 58 reviews, how to determine the proper level of review, and suggested formats.
Completing environmental reviews in Region X
Historic Preservation [36 CFR Part 800]
ALASKA
- Historic Preservation Checklist (PDF) (Word)
- Alaska State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Request for Section 106 Review HUD (click "request for Section 106 Review Housing Projects") and fill out the form and include latitude and longitude.
- Alaska Programmatic Agreement (PDF) - Note this agreement can only be used by Responsible Entities that are Parties to the agreement. To become a Party, complete attachment B and submit to SHPO.
IDAHO
- Idaho State Historic Preservation checklist (PDF) (Word)
- Idaho Programmatic Agreement (PDF) -Note this agreement can only be used by Responsible Entities that are Parties to the agreement. To become a Party, complete Attachment C and submit to SHPO.
- For Parties to the Idaho Programmatic Agreement, please review the HUD ICRIS Annual Report Guide and use the Annual Report template (Excel)
- Idaho State Historic Preservation Office Section 106 Review Process
- Review additional resources quick links for "Section 106 Form for HUD" and other HUD assisted project specific guidance.
- Use this process if not a signature party to the PA noted above.
OREGON
- Oregon State Historic Preservation checklist (PDF) (Word)
- Information on how to submit Section 106 consultation
- Oregon State Historic Preservation Office
WASHINGTON
- Washington State Historic Preservation checklist (PDF) (Word)
- Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
Coastal Zone Management Act [Sections 307(c), (d)]
ALASKA
- Currently the State of Alaska does not have a Coastal Zone Management Plan. Projects are not subject to this requirement.
IDAHO
- There are no designated Coastal Zones in Idaho.
OREGON
WASHINGTON
As of July 22, 2020, Washington State Department of Ecology notified HUD of the following:
"Ecology has concluded that it is unnecessary for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to continue to send project information in order to receive Ecology’s concurrence that the funding phase of the project is consistent with Washington’s CZMP. Therefore, we are writing to inform you that HUD no longer needs to require applicants to send Ecology letters seeking our concurrence on projects for which HUD plans to release federal funding."
Inclusion of the following statement in the Environmental Review Record is strongly encouraged to ensure projects are aware that CZM may still apply at the time of local and/or national permitting.
"Concurrence from Dept. of Ecology for Coastal Zone Management is no longer required under a Part 58 or Part 50 Environmental Review in Washington State. However, at the time of project development, the activity may trigger review if it falls under other parts of the CZMA regulations for federal agency activities (Title 15 CFR Part 930, subpart C), or consistency for activities requiring a federal license or permit (Title 15 CFR Part 930, Subpart D) and will be subject to all enforceable policies of the Coastal Zone Management Program. It is during the local permitting process that a project might be subject to CZM and further review by the Dept of Ecology."
Sole Source Aquifers [40 CFR 149]
For use in ALL STATES:
- Region X (ALL STATES Use this form) Sole Source Aquifers checklist (PDF) (Word)
- Regional Sole Source Aquifer map - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "after selecting link, increase view size to 100% to view map"
IDAHO
- Memorandum of Understanding between HUD and EPA
Endangered Species Act [50 CFR 402]
The resources below help HUD, Responsible Entities (RE), and ER partners meet obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). They also address the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) for Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), when necessary.
PLEASE NOTE: Only HUD or RE may initiate consultation with the Services (FWS & NMFS). Any requests for consultation from others will be rejected by these agencies.
ALASKA
IDAHO
OREGON
- Oregon Endangered Species Act No Effect Guidance (PDF) (Word)
- NMFS HUD Programmatic Appendices (PDF)
- Endangered Species Act Section 7 Formal Programmatic Biological Opinion and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Consultation (PDF)
- USFWS Threatened and Endangered Species in Oregon
WASHINGTON
HUD's Environmental Standards
Noise Abatement and Control [24 CFR 51B]
- Alaska State Department of Transportation
- Idaho State Department of Transportation
- Oregon State Department of Transportation
- Washington State Department of Transportation
- Federal Railroad Administration Crossing Inventory data
- Airport Noise - Small Airports