Section 197-11-232. SEPA/GMA integration procedures for preliminary planning, environmental analysis, and expanded scoping.

(1) "Preliminary environmental analyses." GMA jurisdictions may prepare environmental analyses for use by decision makers and the public to assist in developing and reviewing preliminary drafts of GMA documents. Environmental analyses prepared for use in such preliminary GMA planning:

(a) Do not require a threshold determination;

(b) May be separate from, or woven into, issue papers or other agency planning materials or presentations;

(c) May use the format of SEPA documents, including a nonproject environmental checklist (Part D of WAC 197-11-960) or addendum (WAC 197-11-706, 197-11-625).

(d) May include evaluation of issues and concerns that are not required in SEPA documents, such as economic or other factors identified in GMA, SEPA, and WAC 197-11-448.

(2) "Expanded scoping."

(a) Timing and use. Expanded scoping may be used prior to a threshold determination to meet one or more of the purposes stated in WAC 197-11-030, 197-11-225, 197-11-230, 197-11-235 and 197-11-410(2). Expanded scoping may initiate or be combined with any early GMA planning activities such as "visioning," development of alternative concepts or elements, or scoping of possible GMA actions. Scoping under WAC 197-11-408 may also be used for these purposes if a determination of significance has been issued.

(b) Notice. An expanded scoping notice may be issued separately from or without a threshold determination. If so the notice should explain that SEPA determinations and documents will occur later and that scoping is starting early to assist and involve the public, tribes and agencies in formulating a specific proposed GMA action and identifying useful environmental analyses.

(c) If expanded scoping is used as provided in this section, additional scoping will be optional if a determination of significance is subsequently issued.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21C.110. WSR 95-07-023 (Order 94-22), § 197-11-232, filed 3/6/95, effective 4/6/95.]

RCW 43.21C.110. WSR 95-07-023 (Order 94-22), § 197-11-232, filed 3/6/95, effective 4/6/95.

Rules

197-11-960,197-11-706,197-11-625,197-11-448,197-11-030,197-11-225,197-11-230,197-11-235,197-11-410,197-11-408,