Initial Screening Tool for Projects within a Developed Area

Certain projects nearly always warrant a 鈥渘o effect鈥� determination. This screening tool is intended to assist project proponents in determining whether their project qualifies as one of these types of projects, and if so, to provide a streamlined mechanism for documenting their "no effect" finding. If your project does not meet the criteria outlined in these steps, your action requires further review. To assist with this more detailed review, return to our Section 7 Technical Assistance website.

Certain projects within already developed areas may have no effect to listed species if no suitable habitat is present and no listed species are likely to utilize the action area action area
All areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the federal action and not merely the immediate area involved in the action.

Learn more about action area . Developed areas are already paved or graveled; covered by structures, lawns; or mowed or otherwise landscaped too frequently to develop habitat characteristics suitable for listed species. Be careful when assessing actions that: 1) affect rights-of-way that contain natural or semi-natural vegetation despite periodic mowing or other management; 2) impact surface water or groundwater; and 3) affect background noise, light, dust, vibration, etc. Several species inhabit rights-of-way, and you should carefully consider effects to surface water or groundwater and effects from noise, light, dust, vibration, etc., which often extend outside of a project鈥檚 immediate footprint.

Step 1

Does your project鈥檚 action area meet BOTH of the following criteria?

  • located entirely within an already developed area devoid of habitat characteristics suitable for listed species; and

  • not adjacent to any un-landscaped areas that may provide habitat that supports listed species.

    Yes 鈥� Go to Step 4 to complete the initial screening tool.

    No 鈥� Continue to Step 2 of the initial screening tool.

Step 2

Does your project meet ONE of the following criteria?

  • Suitable habitat is not present in the action area for any of the species on the  IPaC IPaC
    Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) is a project planning tool that streamlines the USFWS environmental review process

    Learn more about IPaC     species list, or
  • Suitable habitat is present, but current data (e.g., surveys) are sufficient to determine that none of the species or critical habitats on the IPaC list are present in the action area.

    Yes 鈥� Go to Step 4 to complete the initial screening tool.

    No 鈥� Continue to Step 3 of the initial screening tool. 

Step 3

Does your project involve removal of native vegetation (i.e., vegetation other than cultivated plants and lawns); reduction or blockage of surface or ground water; or an increase in noise, lighting, ground vibrations, or invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species in the action area?

    Yes 鈥� Your project requires further review. Return to Step 2 of the Section 7 Technical Assistance Step-by-Step Instructions.

    No 鈥� Go to Step 4 to complete the initial screening tool.

Step 4

You have determined that the project meets one of the following criteria:

  • The action area is located entirely within a developed area; or 
  • Suitable habitat and critical habitat are not present in the action area of your project; or
  • Suitable habitat is present, but current data (e.g., surveys) indicate species and critical habitat are absent from the action area; or
  • Project activities will not result in any changes in the action area that could affect listed species or critical habitat.

Based on these characteristics, a 鈥渘o effect鈥� determination is appropriate because the project will not occur within suitable habitat for any listed species, no habitat disturbance is anticipated, or listed species are known to not occur within the action area. Hence, no listed species or designated critical habitat is anticipated to be directly or indirectly affected by this action.

"No Effect" Documentation