Environmental planning encompasses a wide range of activities derived from the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It covers such things as environmental auditing, air/water sampling and analysis, flood/erosion control, solid waste, wastewater treatment, urban planning, environmental assessments and impact studies, natural resources, endangered species, land use, water resources, cultural resources, socioeconomic resources and federal/state/local zoning and permit requirements. You can see by this list of subjects that environmental planning covers many disciplines. While any undertaking requires a consideration of the impact of such undertaking on the environment, major operations such as a housing subdivision development, a roadway thruway, the construction of a high rise building, etc. require a formal environmental impact analysis.

Environmental planning for smaller efforts such as for a camping trip or refurbishing an existing plaza may or may not be mandated by NEPA. In the case of the camping trip, there is no such mandate although there may be local ordinances that address camping site activities regarding the handling of waste by campers. In the case of a plaza do-over, there is a NEPA derivative requirement to perform an environmental assessment to ascertain if a more formal impact analysis is required. Environmental planning is not something to be fearful of. It is something that should become a part of your standard practice when planning a trip, an operation or undertaking. While you need not be fearful, one should respect his environment and prepare for any eventuality. That includes, in the case of camping, the terrain (is it flat or mountainous?), the weather (is it cold or hot, is it wet or dry?), the plants and wildlife of the area (are there poisonous plants and animals in the area, are there vicious wild animals-tigers, lions, bears, alligators in or near the site?), the fire hazard potential of the area (is there a potential for forest fire?), a contaminated area (is the area a former landfill, a former gasoline, oil or fuel site, a former chemical waste area, or a formal radioactively contaminated site?), a mosquito infested area, or an area notorious for attacks by gangs. One should consider these on a routine basis and incorporate them into his/her plans including how to remedy any dangers that might be encountered.

Environmental planning for major operations is addressed more formally by EPA and state and local government agencies under the NEPA. The Act covers the formal investigation process, the analysis, the potential impacts, and the remedies proposed for adverse impacts. The author was a consultant for many years assisting agencies and organizations with the preparation of impact studies, presenting his findings and recommendations to his client as well as the public.