Information that must be completed in EcoCAT is indicated with a red asterisk (*).
EcoCAT first asks a series of General Information questions. How you answer the questions ensures that your project receives the appropriate environmental review and is assigned to the correct staff member. If you do not answer all of the questions, the program will not allow you to proceed to the mapping tool. The questions, with explanations, are provided below.
Q1. Why are you submitting the project to EcoCAT?
If you select the 1st option you are fulfilling the consultation requirements of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act and the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act.
If you select the 2nd option, you are only requesting information, not consultation. The submittal is considered an ‘information request.’ The EcoCAT report will state whether or not state-protected resources may be in the vicinity and will list any that are. The project will not be assigned for review.
The 3rd option should only be selected by federal agencies that are required to seek comments from state fish & wildlife agencies before authorizing, funding, or performing a federal action. EcoCAT processes most of these submittals as information requests, not as consultations. Only submittals for FERC and USEDA will be assigned to staff if resources are flagged.
If you select the 2nd or 3rd option, you will skip questions 2 and 3 on the General Information page and proceed directly to the Applicant Information page.
Q2. Indicate the government unit and type of action that has prompted this consultation.
If you choose local government, a form will appear from which you must choose one of the following actions:
You must also identify the government unit, e.g. the City of Champaign, including a contact name, address and phone number. Also, please check the box if the local government is a county highway or local roads department.
If you choose state agency, a different form will appear from which you must choose an action:
You must also identify the agency and, if applicable, an agency bureau as well as an agency contact name, address and phone number.
Only one jurisdictional agency or government can be selected, even though multiple units of government may be involved. Note that consultation with IDNR is NOT an authorization. Select "IDNR" ONLY if IDNR is the agency issuing a permit, providing funding, or performing the proposed action.
Information about the unit of government and the type of action required from that government ensures that the project receives the applicable review and is assigned to the appropriate staff.
Q3. Will the project receive technical assistance or funding from the State of Illinois?
State support (including federal funding through a state agency) requires that a project comply with the Interagency Wetland Policy Act. If yes, EcoCAT will review for wetlands in the vicinity.
If “Yes” is selected a drop-down box will appear from which you must designated the agency that will be providing support. Please Note: You will not receive technical assistance or funding without a wetland review. Also, compliance with Sections 401 and 404 of the federal Clean Water Act does not assure compliance with the IWPA.