Post on 18-Jan-2018
description
EIS Design & Preparation
By Richard WeinmanJanuary, 2006
1. Who prepares EIS 2. Content & publication problems3. SEPA/NEPA integration4. Regulatory reform
Who Prepares the Document?
Philosophical Issues:
Public confidence in process Independence, objectivity, credibility and accuracy Communication Inform decision making
Practical Issues:
Efficient management - team, schedule & budget
Legal adequacy & defensibility
Strategic Issues:
Experience of consultants- type of project, jurisdiction, reputation
Appearances [conflicts, guilt by association] Culture Control or expediency
Consultant Selection
Agency selects/contracts with outside consultant - RFQ/RFP, roster- Applicant involvement?
Applicant selects from roster Applicant proposes consultant, agency ok or veto
- use of applicant studies Agency prepares EIS
Content & Publication Problems
What to do when…
EIS long/complex Left out a section New information/new impact Forgot to publish notice Pre-publication disclosure request
SEPA/NEPA Integration
Issues:
Sequential vs. joint documents/processes Lead agency & management Using NEPA documents
Regulatory Reform
Infill Exemption RCW 43.21C.229
GMA Project Review RCW 43.21C.240 & WAC 197-11-158
Planned ActionsRCW 43.21C.031(2) & WAC 197-11-164/172
Infill Exemption
Criteria: New residential or mixed-use infill Designated urban growth area per GMA Lower density/intensity than Comp Plan Existing EIS for Comp Plan Limitations for categorical exemptions
(critical areas, segmenting)
Issues: definition of terms, SEPA substantive authority