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Chapter Item -by -item guidance If the project will result in a future commitment to build an infra- structure, the EAW should identify that infrastructure and its timing and provide a general assessment of its impacts. 29. Cumulative impacts The intent here is to put the project's potential impacts into the context of impacts caused by other past, present or future projects in the area, so that the RGU can assess the cumulative impacts to the environment. One criterion which must be consid- ered in determining the need for an EIS is the "cumulative potential effects of related or anticipated future projects" (part 4410.1700, subpart 7, item B). The EAW record must provide some information about potential cumulative impacts in order to support the EIS need decision according to the rules. Such infor- mation can be presented under item 29. Some of the analyses under other items may also address cumulative impacts. To do an accurate traffic analysis, for example, the background traffic from other sources must be considered. For potential cumulative impacts that are not addressed under another EAW question, the RGU should provide the information here, to the extent known. References should be made to other questions where a cumulative impacts- related response has been made. 30. Other potential environmental impacts This item is provided in case there should be some type of envi- ronmental impact from the project which cannot be adequately discussed under any other items on the form. This item will sel- dom need to be used. 31. Summary of issues This section should include a brief synopsis of the potential im- pacts defined in the EAW. It should also discuss further studies of impacts which may be planned or necessary and mitigation mea- sures or alternatives which could be implemented to avoid or minimize possible impacts. Discussion of mitigation measures or alternatives should include information about how these will or could be required through various permits or approvals required for the project. This section of the EAW should be used to summarize the exami- nation of altematives, focusing on the reasons why the proposed project was selected and the comparative environmental impacts of other altematives considered. Certification by the RGU The worksheet requires the signature of an authorized official of the RGU. The EQB will not accept an EAW for publication of the notice of availability without an appropriate signature on the worksheet. The signature represents certifi- cation by the RGU that: (1) the information is complete and accurate; (2) the "complete" project is reviewed by the EAW; there are no aspects of the project such as future "phased actions" or other related "connected actions" that have not been taken into account in the EAW; and (3) the EAW has been properly distrib- uted to the official distribution list, available from the EQB home page at www.mnplan.state.mn.us, or by contacting the EQB staff. 14 EA W Guidelines