When a federally funded health center project moves forward, a NEPA Environmental Assessment is the gatekeeping document that determines whether construction can proceed. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental consequences of proposed actions before committing resources — and for the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), that meant hiring a consultant who could navigate the full scope of NEPA compliance.
Project Overview
| Client | Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) / Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) |
| Location | 2744 W 63rd Street, Chicago, Illinois |
| Services | NEPA Environmental Assessment, Phase I & Phase II ESA Review, SHPO / Cultural Resources Consultation, Threatened & Endangered Species Review, Hazardous Materials Assessment |
| Key Staff | Paul Marek, P.G. – Sr. Project Manager; Alisa Allen – Senior Reviewer |
| Duration | 2025–2026 |
| Value | $18,480 |
Why a NEPA Environmental Assessment Was Required
IMAN is a nonprofit organization that has promoted health, wellness, and social equity on Chicago’s South Side since 1997. Their $21 million health center expansion — funded through HRSA, the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and private philanthropy — will transform an existing 3,700 square foot clinic into a 23,400 square foot facility. Because the project receives federal funding through HRSA, a comprehensive NEPA Environmental Assessment was required before construction could begin.
Scope of the NEPA Assessment
A3 Environmental Consultants (A3E) prepared the complete Environmental Assessment covering 15 resource categories mandated under NEPA:
- Soils and geology
- Land use and zoning
- Floodplain encroachment
- Traffic
- Hazardous materials
- Socioeconomics
- Air quality
- Noise
- Public services and utilities
- Water resources
- Biological resources
- Threatened and endangered species
- Cultural resources
- Cumulative impacts
- Coordination and permits
Environmental Site History and Hazardous Materials Review
The project site’s environmental history required particular attention. A3E reviewed a prior Phase I and Phase II ESA that investigated underground storage tanks and a historical LUST incident. Ground Penetrating Radar surveys and soil borings confirmed no contaminants of concern above IEPA Tier 1 remediation objectives, clearing the site for construction.
Agency Coordination and Regulatory Compliance
A3E coordinated with multiple state and federal agencies to document full regulatory compliance:
- Illinois SHPO — historic preservation and cultural resources review
- Chicago Department of Planning and Development — local land use compliance
- Illinois DNR EcoCAT — state-listed threatened and endangered species screening
- USFWS IPaC — federal threatened and endangered species consultation
The Result
The three-story, 19,700 square foot addition will house 16 offices, 8 exam rooms, 17 therapy rooms, a procedure room, conference facilities, a meditation room, and a 17-space parking lot. The facility will enable IMAN to consolidate primary care and behavioral health services under one roof — serving over one million residents in a HRSA-designated Health Provider Shortage Area where 50% of the population lives below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The NEPA Environmental Assessment found no permanent or long-term impacts to the environment. Only minor, short-term construction impacts were identified, all manageable through standard Best Management Practices — clearing the path for IMAN to proceed with construction.
NEPA Consulting Services
A3E provides NEPA Environmental Assessments and NEPA compliance consulting for federally funded projects across the Midwest. Whether your project requires a Categorical Exclusion, Environmental Assessment, or Environmental Impact Statement, our team manages the full NEPA process — from initial screening through agency coordination and final documentation. Contact us to discuss your project.
