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Natural resources

USDA Cancels Environmental Impact Statement for GreenThumb Gardens Water Supply Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, in collaboration with the GreenThumb Network of the NYC Parks and Recreation Department, has abandoned its plan for a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS) for the GreenThumb Gardens Water Supply Project. This decision was made after a review determined that the project would not have any reasonably foreseeable damaging effects. The GreenThumb project aims to provide a reliable water supply to community gardens, which are crucial for local food production in New York City. By canceling the EIS, the project can move forward more quickly to address water deficiencies and improve food production in the city's community gardens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service cancelled its plan for a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS) for the GreenThumb Gardens Water Supply Project due to a review finding minimal impact.
  • The GreenThumb project will provide a reliable water supply to community gardens in New York City, which are essential for local food production.
  • The project involves improving on-site water systems within existing gardens to conserve resources, improve water use efficiency, and bolster the local food system.
  • Officials determined that the project falls within the scope of a Categorical Exclusion, allowing it to proceed without a complete EIS due to its minimal impact.
  • The initial notice to prepare a study, released in April, has been withdrawn as a result of the decision.
  • Questions about the change can be directed to the USDA NRCS.
  • The GreenThumb project will benefit the five boroughs of New York City by addressing water deficiencies and improving food production in community gardens.

Statistics:

  • The GreenThumb project aims to provide a reliable water supply to community gardens in New York City.
  • The project will improve on-site water systems within existing gardens, conserving resources and improving water use efficiency.
  • According to estimations, the project will benefit the five boroughs of New York City.
  • The Categorical Exclusion provision allows for certain actions without a complete EIS if their impact is minimal.
  • The initial notice to prepare a study was released in April 2025 (refer to exact original text for date confirmation).

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • GreenThumb Network of the NYC Parks and Recreation Department
  • Targeted News Service (referencing Jaymar Talang and official documents)

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