When a Positive Determination is made for some or all of the elements of a project/activity that were further considered in the referenced Scoping Statement (SS), an Environmental Assessment (EA) must be prepared. The purpose of the EA is to provide Agency and host country decision-makers with a full discussion of significant environmental effects of a proposed action. It includes alternatives which would avoid or minimize adverse effects or enhance the quality of the environment so that the expected benefits of development objectives can be weighed against any adverse impacts upon the human environment or any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.