Characteristics of Commission actions eligible for a Categorical Exclusion.

(a) 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. (b) Actions that generally qualify for application of a Categorical Exclusion and do not require either an EA or an EIS exhibit the following characteristics: (1) Minimal or no effect on the human environment; (2) No significant change to existing environmental conditions; (3) No significant cumulative environmental impacts; and (4) Similarity to actions previously assessed in an EA concluding in a FONSI and monitored to confirm the FONSI.