The Applicant shall evaluate whether, and to what extent, the Proposed Project Site or Route and any Noticed Alternative Site or Route(s) are likely to increase or decrease Elevated Indicators identified for Burdened Areas intersecting the Project's SGAs. For purposes of making such assessment, the Applicant may consider the Project Impacts inclusive of any actions to avoid, minimize, or mitigate Project Impacts for which the Applicant has made a firm commitment to undertake. The Applicant shall use the following methods to identify and, where practicable, quantify such Project Impacts. See the CIA Report Template for additional details.

1. (1) Determination of Disproportionate Adverse Effect on an Elevated Indicator. To determine if a negative Project Impact to an Elevated Indicator constitutes a Disproportionate Adverse Effect, the Project must materially exacerbate the condition reflected in the Elevated Indicator causing additional negative Project Impacts.
2. (2) Qualitative Assessment Methods. In determining whether a Project materially exacerbates an Elevated Indicator during construction or operation, an Applicant shall first assess qualitatively whether, and how, the Project may impact each Elevated Indicator. Project Impacts related to an Elevated Indicator may include but are not limited to air emissions, stormwater or wastewater discharges, solid or hazardous waste generation, traffic, impervious surfaces, heat-island effect, climate change effects such as heat, flooding or wildfire risk, impacts to natural resources and habitat, impacts to public health or socioeconomic conditions, among other possible Project Impacts.
3. (3) Quantitative Assessment Methods. If qualitative assessment methods indicate Project Impacts to one or more Elevated Indicators, the Applicant shall endeavor to provide a quantitative assessment of each such Project Impact. Quantitative methods may include quantification of emissions and other discharges, modeling analysis, detailed assessment of Project Impacts through engineering or construction plan reviews, and other means. See CIA Report Template for examples of quantitative assessment methods.
4. (4) Applicant's or Petitioner's Analysis and Findings. Based on the qualitative and quantitative information developed, the Applicant shall assess whether the Project is expected to materially exacerbate one or more of the Elevated Indicators and shall include a narrative analysis and findings of supporting data, as appropriate, in its CIA Report. The Applicant shall also include community input gathered during pre-filing consultation and engagement pursuant to 980 CMR 16.00: Pre-filing Consultation and Engagement Requirements, and address that input in its CIA Report.