What is the purpose of an "Environmental Impact Statement"?

An "Environmental Impact Statement" (EIS) serves a critical role in assessing the potential environmental effects of proposed projects before they are carried out. This assessment is essential to ensure that any environmental impacts are fully considered, mitigation measures can be implemented where necessary, and informed decisions can be made by regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and the public.

The process typically includes evaluating how the project might affect local ecosystems, wildlife, air and water quality, and other environmental factors. This comprehensive approach helps to safeguard natural resources and promote sustainability.

In contrast, evaluating financial costs focuses solely on the economic aspects of a project and does not account for environmental consequences. Analyzing historical data of UST leaks pertains to past incidents rather than future impacts. Determining the lifespan of UST systems is related to the durability and maintenance of the equipment, which, while important, does not directly address the environmental implications of a new project. Thus, the emphasis of an Environmental Impact Statement is squarely on understanding and evaluating potential environmental changes resulting from a proposed project.