Engineering Report/Environmental Information Document

What is the Engineering Report/Environmental Information Document (ER/EID)?

  • The Engineering Report/Environmental Information Document (ER/EID) is a planning document that should identify project needs, evaluate alternatives for addressing those needs, and assess environmental impacts (if required). 
  • The report has an engineering component and environmental component combined into a single document. 
  • Note: Not all projects are required to complete the EID portion. 
    • The State Environmental Policy Act exempts projects funded by the State Reserve from state-mandated environmental review. [NCGS 113A-12(2)h] These projects are identified with an SRP project number. Federal requirements may still apply.
    • Projects funded by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) must complete the EID as described in the guidance. These projects are identified with a project number beginning with CS.
    • Projects funded by the Drinking  Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) must complete the EID section as described in the guidance. These projects are identified with a  project number beginning with WIF.
    • Projects jointly funded by State Reserve and CWSRF or DWSRF must complete the EID.
  • Applicants must submit the ER/EID after receiving a Letter of Intent to Fund. 

The ER/EID Process

  • The table below provides guidance and tables for preparing the ER/EID for different types of projects.
  • Some sections apply of the guidance will apply to all projects, and others will be for specific project types.
  • There are some narrative sections, but much of the ER/EID content is included in tables. Use the links for tables and spreadsheets for the appropriate project type as indicated in the guidance table below.
  • Submit the ER/EID by the deadline in your Letter of Intent to Fund.
  • The division will review the ER/EID and provide comments and/or request for additional information or revision.
  • After the ER/EID review is complete, the division will issue an approval letter and, if required, the final environmental document for the project. 
  • A substantial change to the project scope after approval of the ER/EID may require an amendment to the ER/EID.
  • Be sure to include the Submittal Checklist with initial submittals of an ER/EID or ER/EID amendment. 

Engineering Report (ER) Guidance and Forms

Please contact your project manager if you have any questions.            

 

ER/EID Guidance & Forms

Overview

WW and SW FactSheet ER EID (March 2023)

DW FactSheet ER EID (March 2023)

Start with the appropriate FactSheet to get an overview of the requirements for preparing and submitting an ER/EID. 

Next, select the correct documents for your project type from either the Wastewater & Green Projects section OR the Drinking Water section of the table AND and from the additional forms section of the table.

Finally, refer to the last section of the table for instructions for the Environmental Information Document.

Wastewater & Green Projects

WWTP Projects Guidance

WWTP Projects Tables

Wastewater Treatment Workbook (updated 06/11/15)

Wastewater Treatment Plant Projects -- Follow the instructions in the guidance to prepare the engineering section of the ER/EID for Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation, replacement, or expansion projects. Include the project tables and workbook spreadsheets in the the ER/EID.

Collection System Projects Guidance

Collection System Project Tables

Collection System Expansion Workbook (updated 12/14/15)

Collection System Projects -- Follow the instructions in the guidance to prepare the engineering section of the ER/EID for wastewater collection system rehabilitation, replacement, or expansion projects. Include the project tables and workbook spreadsheets in the ER/EID.

Green Projects ER/EID Guidance

Green Project Tables

Reclaimed Water Systems Workbook (coming soon)

Green Projects -- Follow the instructions in the guidance to prepare the engineering section for the ER/EID for Reclaimed Water, Stormwater BMPs, Stream/Buffer/Wetland, or Rainwater Harvesting projects
Drinking Water Projects

Section 1 – Background Information (updated 05/08/14)      

Section 2 – Structure of the Engineering Report (updated 05/08/14)     

Sections Sections 1 and 2 of the guidance provide general background information for preparing the ER/EID for all drinking water projects. 
Drought Bill Certification (updated 02/16/17)Provide this "Certification regarding the water system efficiency requirements of  § NCGS 143 355.4(b)" with the initial submittal of an ER/EID for a Drinking Water project that extends waterlines or expands treatment capacity (DWSRF, DWSRP)

Section 3 – WTP Construction and Rehabilitation (05/09/14)

Appendix A - Water Treatment Plant Tables (05/09/14)

Water Treatment Plant Projects -- Follow the instructions in the guidance to prepare the engineering section of the ER/EID for Water Treatment Plant construction, modification, or projects. Include the project tables in the the ER/EID.

Section 4 – Water Main Projects (updated 05/09/14)

Appendix B - Water Line Tables (updated 05/09/14)

Water Main Projects -- Follow the instructions in the guidance to prepare the engineering section of the ER/EID for water lines extension, replacement, rehabilitation, or re-routing projects. Include the project tables in the the ER/EID.
Additional Engineering Report Forms & Guidance for All Projects
ER-EID Submittal Checklist (Dec. 2022)Include the Submittal Checklist with the Initial ER/EID submittal and with any ER/EID Amendments
Supplemental ER Guidance For Distressed LGUs  (March 2023)The supplemental Engineering Report guidance covers additional requirements for Local Government Units that have been designated "distressed" 
Present Worth Analysis Workbook (updated 10/06/15)Spreadsheets for use with Present Worth Analysis (CWSRF, DWSRF, WW-SRP, DW-SRP, CDBG-I)
Financial Analysis Workbook – Wastewater and Drinking Water (updated 10/02/17)Spreadsheets for use with the Financial Analysis (CWSRF, DWSRF, WW-SRP [as applicable, see Section 2 of guidance.], DW-SRP [as applicable, see Section 2 of guidance.])
Financial Analysis Workbook – Green Projects (updated 06/11/15)Spreadsheets for use with the Financial Analysis for green projects only (CWSRF)
ER/EID Amendments (05/09/2014)An Er/EID amendment may be required if you have a substantial change to your project scope after the ER/EID is approved. Please contact your project manager for assistance before submitting an ER/EID amendment.

Environmental Information Document Guidance and Forms for Projects Funded through the SRF 

Environmental Guidance Revisions (July 2021)This guidance explains the environmental review process including identifying the type of environmental document required and how to prepare the environmental section of the ER/EID for each project type

CET-CER Flowchart

Minor Construction Activities Flowchart

Use these flow charts to help determine whether a project requires a Categorical Exclusion by Type (CET), Categorical Exclusion by Review (CER), or Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
CET Determination ChecklistComplete the CET Determination Checklist to document that a project qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion by Type and include the checklist with the ER/EID submittal.
CER EID ChecklistComplete the CER EID Checklist in accordance with the attached instructions and include the checklist as Section 7 of the ER/EID.
FONSI EID TablesComplete these tables for projects that will require a FONSI and include them as Section 7 of the ER/EID.
ER/EID Amendments (05/09/2014)An Er/EID amendment may be required if you have a substantial change to your project scope after the ER/EID is approved. Please contact your project manager for assistance before submitting an ER/EID amendment.