A Categorical Exclusion is a type of action that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and which has been found to have no such effect by NCPC.
Actions that generally qualify for application of a Categorical Exclusion and do not require either an EA or an EIS exhibit the following characteristics:
Minimal or no effect on the human environment;
No significant change to existing environmental conditions;
No significant cumulative environmental impacts; and
Similarity to actions previously assessed in an EA concluding in a FONSI and monitored to confirm the FONSI.