Public participation is an important part of the National Environmental Policy Act process. Submitting substantive and concise public comments is one of the most important aspects of that process.

“Substantive” comments, in the sense of an environmental analysis document, are comments on the analysis that contain practical importance, value, or effect. Submitting a substantive and concise public comment on the Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS is one of the most important aspects of the National Environmental Policy Act process.

The most effective comments are those that provide useful information to the Navy. For instance, submit comments if you find:

An error in analysis that may affect the outcome.

New information that would change the analysis and conclusions.

Any peer-reviewed scientific literature that should be considered in the analysis.

Something that should be clarified.

A substantially different alternative that meets the purpose and need statement and has not been considered.

General recommendations to keep in mind when making comments on any NEPA document: