Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the State of Illinois Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program

The proposed action is conditional approval by NOAA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the proposed Illinois Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, based on finding that Illinois' program meets many, but not all, of the requirements of section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments and related guidance. The PEA evaluates consequences associated with federal approval and state implementation of the program proposed by Illinois, which includes management measures for nonpoint sources related to urban development, marinas and recreational boating, hydromodification, wetlands, riparian areas, and vegetated treatment systems. The PEA concludes that approval of Illinois' program will not result in any significant environmental impacts different from those analyzed in a 1996 Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, from which the PEA is tiered, which concluded that approving state programs would not have significant environmental effects. The proposed action would have no effect on protected species or historic properties.