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Purpose of this step. All environmental documentation must first be approved at the Mission level, and then by the relevant USAID Bureau Environmental Officer. Submitted documentation may be returned with queries that must be answered.
Aids Provided on this PageThe submission process is explained.
Timing of submission: Environmental documentation is submitted concurrent with project proposals or amendments.
Amendments to projects/proposals should be accompanied by environmental documentation
amendments.
- Where an IEE results in a deferral for one or more activities, these should be resolved (using an IEE or Categorical Exclusion amendment) as soon as the necessary information is available.
- Advance USAID review of draft documentation is recommended: Partners are encouraged to submit DRAFT environmental documentation for informal review by the MEO/Mission, as well as the BEO or REO. Review of drafts encourages a constructive dialogue and ensures that issues are addressed early. Note: any documentation submitted in draft form must be re-submitted to the Mission for formal consideration and approval.
- The principal points of contact are usually the MEO and/or the Program Officer. When no MEO is available, partners should feel free to contact the appropriate Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) in Washington.
Note: approval of submitted documentation is not guaranteed
The BEO need not agree with recommended determinations made in IEEs or with claimed Categorical Exclusion. IEEs and Categorical Exclusion requests can be returned with queries and requests for further analysis. In some cases, recommended determinations and categorical exclusions may be rejected.
Without the BEO's approval, the proposed activities cannot go forward.