Environmental review
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission carries out reviews to protect threatened and endangered species.
The Nebraska Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act is designed to conserve species of wildlife for human enjoyment and to ensure they continue to be viable components of their ecosystems. Therefore, state agencies must ensure actions they authorize, fund or carry out do not jeopardize the continued existence of endangered and threatened species or result in the destruction or modification of critical habitat. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission carries out threatened and endangered species reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Any project that requires a state-issued permit, uses state funds or is conducted by a state agency requires an environmental review for impacts on endangered and threatened species. Examples of permits and fund issued by state agencies are listed below.
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE)
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
– Industrial Stormwater (ISW)
– Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
– Construction Stormwater (CSW) - State Revolving Funds (SRF)
- Wastewater Treatment Facility Construction
- 401 Water Quality Certification (401 WQC)
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC)
- Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- Surface Water Appropriation Application
In order to obtain an environmental review, please visit our new Conservation and Environmental Review Tool (CERT). You can also request an environmental review by submitting a letter or email requesting a review, along with the following information to the Environmental Review – Planning & Programming Division, ngpc.envreview@nebraska.gov, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE 68503.
- Description of the whole and complete project, including the timing of the project, area (acres) to be disturbed and current land use of the project area.
- Explanation of the type of state and/or federal permits required for the project and funding source.
- Project location and county (including section, township, range OR latitude, longitude coordinates).
- Aerial photo delineating the project area, including any off-site areas that will be used for things such as borrow sites, waste sites, access/haul roads, etc.
- Contact information (name, mailing address, email address, and phone number) of the person submitting the request for review.
When using the Conservation and Environmental Review Tool (CERT) the first step of obtaining an environmental review can take as little as 15 minutes. Once a project is created and the environmental review report has been generated, the overall results section will detail the final steps.
The environmental review process submitted through our office typically takes an average of 30 days; however, during peak planning and construction seasons, the process make take longer. Please plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for the review to be conducted. Projects are reviewed in the order they are received and will NOT be expedited.
The following guidance documents are for both new and advanced users of the Conservation and Environmental Review Tool (CERT).
New user – quick introduction to CERT
Advanced user – additional documents for CERT
About Nebraska’s protected species
Once a plant or animal is designated or listed as endangered, state and federal laws kick in with protocols and methods designed to protect the species from extinction or extirpation.
Nebraska Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act
This act is a multifaceted state law that aims to protect Nebraska’s most vulnerable species. Every year more than 1,000 proposed projects with ties to state agencies are reviewed to prevent a state action from jeopardizing the continued existence of a threatened or endangered species.
Nebraska’s threatened and endangered species
Nebraska has 32 plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered and whose continued existence within the state is in jeopardy. State recovery plans identify, describe and schedule the actions necessary to restore these populations to a more secure status.
Procedures & protocols for T&E species
The following procedures and protocols provide important standards and information, including wind and solar energy guidelines, intended for the protection of Nebraska’s threatened and endangered species.
Contact
For more information on the environmental review process, contact our Environmental Review Team.
