150 Environmental Impact Analysis
comparison is an extension of the screening process and thus is presented as
the nal discussion in this section.
4.5.1 Proposed Action and Alternatives Treatment
There are two primary schools of thought on the treatment of alternatives
as part of environmental analysis. One is to identify a proposed action that
is the preferred alternative the proponent intends on implementing to meet
the purpose and need. After this alternative is developed and designated as
preferred, development of alternatives to the proposed action proceeds, but
generally only to comply with the consideration of alternatives mandated
by regulations. However, specic alternatives are sometimes developed in
response to issues raised o ...