DAF Form 813: Request for Environmental Impact Analysis

DAF Form 813: Request for Environmental Impact Analysis – The DAF Form 813, officially titled Request for Environmental Impact Analysis, is the primary document used by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) to initiate environmental reviews for proposed actions. It ensures compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Air Force’s Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP).

Whether you are planning construction, facility upgrades, training exercises, or operational changes on a DAF installation, completing DAF Form 813 (formerly known as AF Form 813) starts the formal environmental review. This form helps determine if a proposed action qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) or requires further analysis, such as an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Why DAF Form 813 Matters for NEPA Compliance?

The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies, including the Department of the Air Force, to evaluate the environmental effects of their decisions before taking action. The DAF implements NEPA through 32 CFR Part 989 (EIAP regulation, formerly AFI 32-7061).

DAF Form 813 serves as the entry point:

  • Proponents (project initiators) describe the proposed action and alternatives in Section I.
  • The Environmental Planning Function (EPF) evaluates potential impacts in Section II and makes a determination in Section III regarding CATEX applicability or the need for additional documentation.

This structured process focuses the analysis on relevant issues, documents the rationale for exclusions, and supports informed decision-making while protecting air quality, water resources, biological habitats, cultural sites, and human health.

Download the official DAF Form 813 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/daf813/daf813.pdf

Who Uses DAF Form 813?

  • Proponents: Unit commanders, civil engineers, facility managers, or anyone initiating a DAF action (construction, demolition, operational changes, real property actions, etc.).
  • Environmental Planning Function (EPF): Base environmental staff who review the form and complete impact assessments.
  • Contractors and Planners: Supporting DAF projects that require federal environmental clearance.

The form consolidates previous versions (AF Forms 813 and 814) and remains the current standard.

How to Complete DAF Form 813? Step-by-Step Instructions

Section I – Proponent Information (Completed by the project proponent):

  1. TO: Address to the Environmental Planning Function at the relevant installation.
  2. FROM: Your organization and functional address symbol.
  3. TITLE OF PROPOSED ACTION: Provide a clear, concise title.
  4. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION:
    • Identify the proposed action.
    • State the purpose (what it will accomplish).
    • Explain the need (why it is necessary).
  5. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES (DOPAA): This is critical. Include:
    • Detailed description of the action and reasonable alternatives (including the No Action Alternative).
    • Location (attach maps or diagrams).
    • Timing and duration of construction/activities.
    • Ground disturbance area, laydown yards, soil borings (note any separate dig permits needed).
    • Operational changes, utilities required, equipment and materials.
    • Reasons for eliminating any alternatives.
  6. Proponent Approval: Signature, name, grade, and date.

Section II – Preliminary Environmental Survey (Completed by EPF):

The reviewer assesses 11 key impact categories using symbols:

  • + = Positive effect
  • 0 = No effect
  • – = Adverse effect
  • U = Unknown effect

Categories include:

  • Air Installation Compatible Use Zone / Land Use (noise, accident potential, encroachment)
  • Air Quality (emissions, attainment status)
  • Water Resources
  • Safety and Occupational Health (asbestos, explosives, bird/aircraft strike hazards)
  • Hazardous Materials/Waste
  • Biological Resources (wetlands, threatened/endangered species)
  • Cultural Resources (archaeological, historical, Native American sites)
  • Geology and Soils
  • Socioeconomic Impacts
  • Installation Restoration Program (PFAS and other contaminants)
  • Other impacts

Descriptions must address cumulative effects where relevant.

Section III – Environmental Analysis Determination (Completed by EPF):

  • Indicate whether the action qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) and cite the specific category, or
  • State that further environmental analysis (EA or EIS) is required.

Include remarks and certification by the Environmental Planning Function.

Continuation Sheets: Use Section IV or attach additional pages as needed, referencing specific block numbers.

Tips for Success:

  • Be detailed and accurate in the DOPAA — vague descriptions can delay the process.
  • Attach supporting documents (maps, site plans, safety reports) early.
  • Coordinate with environmental staff before submission.
  • A revised DAF Form 813 is required for significant changes to the proposed action.

Common Uses of DAF Form 813

Examples from DAF projects include:

  • Facility repairs and upgrades (e.g., sewer system improvements)
  • Infrastructure projects (fencing, roads, utilities)
  • Training and deployment initiatives
  • Environmental remediation or restoration activities
  • Real property actions and construction

Even routine or recurring actions often require documentation on DAF Form 813 to confirm CATEX eligibility or rule out extraordinary circumstances.

  • 32 CFR Part 989: The primary regulation governing the DAF Environmental Impact Analysis Process.
  • DAFI 32-1015 (prescribing directive referenced on the current form).
  • Air Force Policy Directive 32-70 series for broader environmental management.
  • General Conformity Rule (under the Clean Air Act) considerations for actions in non-attainment areas.

For air quality-specific guidance, refer to the DAF Air Quality EIAP Guide.

Best Practices for DAF Personnel

  • Start the environmental review early in project planning — submitting DAF Form 813 promptly prevents delays in funding, contracting, or execution.
  • Engage your installation’s Environmental Planning Function as soon as the project concept is defined.
  • Clearly define the purpose and need — this shapes the range of reasonable alternatives.
  • Document everything: Thorough records on the form support defensibility if challenges arise.

Proper use of DAF Form 813 demonstrates the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to environmental stewardship while enabling mission-critical activities.

Ready to get started? Download the latest DAF Form 813 directly from the official e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/daf813/daf813.pdf

Contact your local Environmental Planning Function or Civil Engineer Squadron for installation-specific guidance and assistance with completion.

This guide is for informational purposes and is based on official Department of the Air Force forms and regulations. Always consult current DAF instructions, your installation EPF, and legal counsel for project-specific requirements, as policies and forms may be updated.