Document Structure Metadata

Documents prepared as part of NEPA processes should append supplemental data that captures data elements related to the process (e.g., identifying other permit processes and applicable comment periods) as well as a summary of the structure of the document, including a table of contents and, where possible, short descriptions of the text found in each section. This document structure summary should capture sub-headings in areas such as alternatives, affected environment, and environmental consequences, but this level of detail is not necessary throughout the document.

Related data elements appended to the document should include at a minimum: Project, Process, high-level Case Events (e.g., milestones for NOI, Notice of Availability of EIS), and GIS data associated with the document, including project location. The complexity of the document structure metadata provided may vary based on the complexity of the NEPA review.