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is a requirement when preparing an EIS, but is optional in an EA. The response to these comments will depend in large part on the types of comments made combined with the discretion and judgment of the responder. However, some comments may request, or even necessitate, an expanded air quality assessment for a proper response. 

By applying the information acquired and/or developed through the course of these preliminary steps, the air quality analyst should have ample justification for deciding what type of an air quality assessment is warranted. Consultation with state or local air quality agencies, EPA regional offices, and FAA (for projects and actions requiring FAA involvement) may still be necessary however. 

For ease in further determining what type of air quality assessment is appropriate for projects or actions, Figure 4-3 ( Air Quality Assessment Decision Flow Diagram ) provides a simplified decision tree based upon the information provided and discussed above. As shown, the fundamental decision pathways and terminal nodes are based upon such factors as (i) whether or not the project/action will cause a reasonably foreseeable increase in emissions, (ii) whether it is located in a nonattainment/maintenance area, and (iii) whether additional or other specific analyses have been required during the agency/public scoping and coordination process. 

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