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