Aerial Fire Retardant Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Background Information

In October 2007, the U.S. Forest Service issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (DN/FONSI) entitled “Aerial Application of Fire Retardant.”

In February 2008, the U.S. Forest Service amended the DN/FONSI by incorporating the reasonable and prudent alternatives proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries during the Section 7 consultation process prescribed by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

On July 27, 2010, the United States District Court for the District of Montana issued a decision that invalidated the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to adopt the “Guidelines for Aerial Delivery of Retardant or Foam Near Waterways.” The 2000 Guidelines were developed to provide guidance to try to minimize the impact of aerially-delivered fire retardant on aquatic life and habitat. The Court directed the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NOAA Fisheries to cure National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) violations and for the U.S. Forest Service to issue a new decision.

The U.S. Forest Service released a Record of Decision (ROD) for the continued nationwide aerial application of fire retardant on National Forest System lands. The issuance of the ROD along with the completion of Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act, completes this effort. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is also available for viewing.

In response to the ROD, the Interagency Policy for Aerial and Ground Delivery of Wildland Fire Chemicals Near Waterways and Other Avoidance Areas was revised from the 2000 and 2009 Guidelines, a new reporting tool was developed and an Implementation Guide for the U.S. Forest Service was completed.