WSR 07-08-021

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

NATURAL RESOURCES

[ Filed March 27, 2007, 11:29 a.m. , effective April 27, 2007 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: The changes will update the department's State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) policies and procedures (chapter 332-41 WAC), which haven't had comprehensive updates since 1984. The proposed changes include clarifying the language, updating references to recodified rules and statutes, writing rules to help meet the governor's plain talk initiative and removing redundancies between the department of ecology's (ecology's) SEPA rules (chapters 197-11 WAC and 43.21C RCW).

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 332-41-420, 332-41-508 and 332-41-920; and amending WAC 332-41-010, 332-41-020, 332-41-040, 332-41-055, 332-41-310, 332-41-350, 332-41-504, 332-41-510, 332-41-665, 332-41-833, and 332-41-910.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapters 43.21C, 34.05 RCW, WAC 197-11-902(2), [197-11]-904(1).

     Other Authority: Delegation Order, November 5, 2001: Signature authority to adopt rules.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 07-03-042 on January 11, 2007.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 2, Amended 11, Repealed 3.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 2, Amended 11, Repealed 3.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: March 27, 2007.

Bonnie B. Bunning

Executive Director of

Policy and Administration

OTS-9248.4


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-010   Authority.   The department of natural resources adopts these rules ((are promulgated)) under RCW 43.21C.120 (the State Environmental Policy Act) and chapter 197-11 WAC (SEPA rules).

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-010, filed 9/5/84. Formerly WAC 332-40-010.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-020   Adoption by reference.   The department of natural resources adopts the following sections or subsections of chapter 197-11 WAC by reference.


WAC

197-11-040 Definitions.
197-11-050 Lead agency.
197-11-055 Timing of the SEPA process.
197-11-060 Content of environmental review.
197-11-070 Limitations on actions during SEPA process.
197-11-080 Incomplete or unavailable information.
197-11-090 Supporting documents.
197-11-100 Information required of applicants.
197-11-300 Purpose of this part.
197-11-305 Categorical exemptions.
197-11-310 Threshold determination required.
197-11-315 Environmental checklist.
197-11-330 Threshold determination process.
197-11-335 Additional information.
197-11-340 Determination of nonsignificance (DNS).
197-11-350 Mitigated DNS.
197-11-360 Determination of significance (DS)/initiation of scoping.
197-11-390 Effect of threshold determination.
197-11-400 Purpose of EIS.
197-11-402 General requirements.
197-11-405 EIS types.
197-11-406 EIS timing.
197-11-408 Scoping.
197-11-410 Expanded scoping. (Optional)
197-11-420 EIS preparation.
197-11-425 Style and size.
197-11-430 Format.
197-11-435 Cover letter or memo.
197-11-440 EIS contents.
197-11-442 Contents of EIS on nonproject proposals.
197-11-443 EIS contents when prior nonproject EIS.
197-11-444 Elements of the environment.
197-11-448 Relationship of EIS to other considerations.
197-11-450 Cost-benefit analysis.
197-11-455 Issuance of DEIS.
197-11-460 Issuance of FEIS.
197-11-500 Purpose of this part.
197-11-502 Inviting comment.
197-11-504 Availability and cost of environmental documents.
197-11-510 Public notice.
197-11-535 Public hearings and meetings.
197-11-545 Effect of no comment.
197-11-550 Specificity of comments.
197-11-560 FEIS response to comments.
197-11-570 Consulted agency costs to assist lead agency.
197-11-600 When to use existing environmental documents.
197-11-610 Use of NEPA documents.
197-11-620 Supplemental environmental impact statement—Procedures.
197-11-625 Addenda—Procedures.
197-11-630 Adoption—Procedures.
197-11-635 Incorporation by reference—Procedures.
197-11-640 Combining documents.
197-11-650 Purpose of this part.
197-11-655 Implementation.
197-11-660 Substantive authority and mitigation.
197-11-680 Appeals.
197-11-700 Definitions.
197-11-702 Act.
197-11-704 Action.
197-11-706 Addendum.
197-11-708 Adoption.
197-11-710 Affected tribe.
197-11-712 Affecting.
197-11-714 Agency.
197-11-716 Applicant.
197-11-718 Built environment.
197-11-720 Categorical exemption.
197-11-722 Consolidated appeal.
197-11-724 Consulted agency.
197-11-726 Cost-benefit analysis.
197-11-728 County/city.
197-11-730 Decision maker.
197-11-732 Department.
197-11-734 Determination of nonsignificance (DNS).
197-11-736 Determination of significance (DS).
197-11-738 EIS.
197-11-740 Environment.
197-11-742 Environmental checklist.
197-11-744 Environmental document.
197-11-746 Environmental review.
((197-11-748 Environmentally sensitive area.))
197-11-750 Expanded scoping.
197-11-752 Impacts.
197-11-754 Incorporation by reference.
197-11-756 Lands covered by water.
197-11-758 Lead agency.
197-11-760 License.
197-11-762 Local agency.
197-11-764 Major action.
197-11-766 Mitigated DNS.
197-11-768 Mitigation.
197-11-770 Natural environment.
197-11-772 NEPA.
197-11-774 Nonproject.
197-11-776 Phased review.
197-11-778 Preparation.
197-11-780 Private project.
197-11-782 Probable.
197-11-784 Proposal.
197-11-786 Reasonable alternative.
197-11-788 Responsible official.
197-11-790 SEPA.
197-11-792 Scope.
197-11-793 Scoping.
197-11-794 Significant.
197-11-796 State agency.
197-11-797 Threshold determination.
197-11-799 Underlying governmental action.
197-11-800 Categorical exemptions.
197-11-810 Exemptions and nonexemptions applicable to specific state agencies.
197-11-830 Department of natural resources.
197-11-880 Emergencies.
197-11-890 Petitioning DOE to change exemptions.
197-11-900 Purpose of this part.
197-11-912 Procedures ((on)) of consulted agencies.
197-11-914 SEPA fees and costs.
197-11-916 Application to ongoing actions.
197-11-920 Agencies with environmental expertise.
197-11-922 Lead agency rules.
197-11-924 Determining the lead agency.
197-11-926 Lead agency for governmental proposals.
197-11-928 Lead agency for public and private proposals.
197-11-930 Lead agency for private projects with one agency with jurisdiction.
197-11-932 Lead agency for private projects requiring licenses from more than one agency, when one of the agencies is a county/city.
197-11-934 Lead agency for private projects requiring licenses from a local agency, not a county/city, and one or more state agencies.
197-11-936 Lead agency for private projects requiring licenses from more than one state agency.
197-11-938 Lead agencies for specific proposals.
197-11-940 Transfer of lead agency status to a state agency.
197-11-942 Agreements on lead agency status.
197-11-944 Agreements on division of lead agency duties.
197-11-946 DOE resolution of lead agency disputes.
197-11-948 Assumption of lead agency status.
197-11-960 Environmental checklist.
197-11-965 Adoption notice.
197-11-970 Determination of nonsignificance (DNS).
197-11-980 Determination of significance and scoping notice (DS).
197-11-985 Notice of assumption of lead agency status.
197-11-990 Notice of action.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-020, filed 9/5/84.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-040   Additional definitions.   In addition to the definitions contained in WAC 197-11-700 through 197-11-799, the following terms shall have the listed meanings:

     (1) "Assistant ((area)) region manager" means a principal assistant to ((an area)) a region manager with responsibility for either ((area governmental)) regulatory or proprietary programs.

     (2) ((Area manager means the person responsible for the administration of a geographic field unit, as designated by the organization plan of the department.

     (3))) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public lands, who is the administrator of the department of natural resources as established by chapter 43.30 RCW.

     (((4) Department means the Washington state department of natural resources.

     (5))) (3) "Division" means any one of the ((eleven)) principal units of ((the department's headquarters staff administering)) DNR that administers a program and is designated on DNR's management chart as a "division."

     (((6))) (4) "Division manager" means the person with overall responsibility for the functioning of one of ((the eleven)) DNR's divisions.

     (((7))) (5) "DNR" means the Washington state department of natural resources.

     (6) "Environmental coordinator" means the ((person who coordinates)) DNR's designated SEPA environmental assistant division manager, and designees such as DNR SEPA center personnel, designated to help the responsible official comply with SEPA ((compliance)) procedures for ((the department)) DNR.

     (((8))) (7) "Notice of final determination" means a DNR document that provides the status of a threshold determination and states whether a threshold determination was retained as final, modified, withdrawn, or delayed.

     (8) "Proponent" means applicant, as defined in WAC 197-11-716, or a party with a proposal, as defined in WAC 197-11-784.

     (9) "Public lands" means ((state forest lands as described in chapter 76.12 RCW, and lands belonging to or held in trust by the state of Washington as described in RCW 79.01.004)) lands of the state of Washington administered by DNR, including but not limited to state lands, state forest lands, and aquatic lands as defined in chapters 79.02, 79.70 and 79.71 RCW.

     (10) "Region manager" means the person responsible for the administration of a geographic field unit, as designated by the management organizational chart of DNR. They supervise assistant region managers.

     (11) "SEPA center" means the DNR section responsible for printing, mailing, retaining SEPA documents, and coordination of the SEPA process. The SEPA center is located at Washington Department of Natural Resources, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, Washington 98504-7015.

     (12) "State forest lands" means lands acquired under RCW 79.22.010, 79.22.020, and 79.22.040.

     (13) "State-owned aquatic lands" means all tidelands, shorelands, harbor areas, the beds of navigable waters, and waterways owned by the state and administered by DNR or managed under RCW 79.105.420 by a port district and as defined in RCW 79.105.060.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-040, filed 9/5/84. Formerly WAC 332-40-040.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-055   ((Timing of the SEPA process.)) Additional timing considerations.   (((1) Distribution to planning commissions and advisory bodies. Environmental documents required to be submitted to the department of ecology under provisions of WAC 332-41-508 will also be submitted to affected planning commissions and similar advisory bodies within the respective time frames as established by these rules and chapter 197-11 WAC.

     (2) Timing of review of proposals. Environmental reviews will be made upon receipt of a completed permit application and environmental checklist.

     (3) Additional timing considerations.

     (a) Department staff receiving a completed permit application and environmental checklist should determine whether DNR or another agency is SEPA lead agency (see WAC 197-11-050 and 197-11-922 through 197-11-940) within five working days. If DNR is not the lead agency, the staff person shall notify the environmental coordinator, who will send the completed environmental checklist, and a copy of the permit application, to the lead agency, and an explanation of the determination to the identified lead agency.

     (b) Department staff receiving a permit application will determine whether the proposal is an "action" and, if so, whether it is "categorically exempt" from SEPA. If the proposal is an action and is not exempt, the staff person will ask the applicant to complete an environmental checklist. A checklist is not needed if the department and applicant agree an EIS is required, SEPA compliance has been completed, SEPA compliance has been initiated by another agency, or a checklist is included with the application.

     (c))) (1) How does this section relate to WAC 197-11-055? This section integrates SEPA review into DNR's activities consistent with WAC 197-11-055, which DNR has incorporated by reference.

     (2) What are DNR's SEPA considerations prior to issuance of the threshold determination? DNR should conduct SEPA review consistent with the following guidelines:

     (a) When is lead agency determined? DNR should determine whether DNR or another agency is the SEPA lead agency within five working days of receiving the nonexempt proposal. See WAC 197-11-050 and 197-11-922 through 197-11-940. If DNR is not the lead agency, DNR shall send the complete environmental checklist and a copy of the permit application or proposal to the lead agency with an explanation of why DNR identified the agency as the lead agency.

     (b) When is exempt status determined? When DNR receives a permit application or proposal, the agency shall promptly determine whether DNR's SEPA action is "categorically exempt" or statutorily exempt from SEPA. If exempt, and WAC 197-11-305 does not remove categorical exempt status, DNR has no further obligation under SEPA.

     (c) Under what circumstances does DNR request an environmental checklist? If DNR's action is not exempt and DNR is the lead agency, DNR shall ask the proponent to complete an environmental checklist.

     (d) When does DNR not need an environmental checklist? A checklist is not needed if DNR and the proponent agree an EIS is required, SEPA compliance has been completed, or a NEPA document was completed and found adequate for SEPA requirements.

     (e) When will DNR start environmental review of non-DNR proposals? DNR shall start a threshold environmental review when DNR receives an application and associated completed environmental checklist.

     (f) When will DNR start environmental review of DNR proposals? DNR should commence the threshold environmental review of DNR proposals that do not involve a DNR permit when a completed checklist is submitted and the principal features of the proposal and its environmental impacts can be reasonably identified.

     (3) When may an applicant request preliminary SEPA review and what are the consequences? ((If the department's)) DNR shall accept applicant requests for preliminary environmental review before requiring detailed project plans and specifications when DNR's only action is a decision on a permit that requires detailed project plans and specifications((, the department shall provide, upon request by the applicant,)). DNR may accept other applicant requests for preliminary environmental review ((prior to submittal of detailed plans and specifications)) when DNR deems it appropriate. This preliminary review will be advisory only and not binding on the department. Final review and determination will be made only upon receipt of all essential detailed project plans and specifications ((if these are essential to a meaningful environmental analysis)). DNR shall conduct a preliminary environmental review when it receives a request for preliminary review along with the following information:

     (a) Site-specific maps containing clear proposal boundaries and clear topographic details;

     (b) Complete and accurate description of the proposal; and

     (c) Any other information that may be required under WAC 197-11-100 and 197-11-335.

     (4) When should DNR commence internal SEPA discussions regarding DNR proposals? If DNR initiated the environmental action, DNR shall coordinate among appropriate staff, including the SEPA center, as necessary. SEPA discussions should be coordinated with staff as soon as a proposal starts being developed.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-055, filed 9/5/84. Formerly WAC 332-40-055.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-310   Threshold determination required.   (((1) A threshold determination is required for any proposal which meets the definition of action and is not categorically exempt.

     (2) The responsible official of the department shall make the threshold determination, which shall be made as close as possible to the time an agency has developed or is presented with a proposal (WAC 197-11-784).

     (3))) (1) What are the timing requirements for threshold determinations? WAC 197-11-310 requires that a threshold determination (either of nonsignificance or significance) be made no later than ninety days after the application and supporting documentation are determined to be complete. In most cases, ((the time to)) DNR should complete a threshold determination ((should not exceed)) within fifteen days, if possible, except for Class IV(( - special)) forest practices, in which case the threshold determination ((will)) shall be made within ten days of receiving a complete application, including a complete environmental checklist. Complex proposals, those where additional information is needed, and/or those accompanied by an inaccurate checklist may require additional time. Upon request by ((an applicant)) a proponent, the responsible official shall select a date for making the threshold determination and notify the ((applicant)) proponent of such date in writing.

     (((4) All threshold determinations shall be documented in:

     (a) A determination of nonsignificance (DNS) (WAC 197-11-340); or

     (b) A determination of significance (DS) (WAC 197-11-360).)) (2) When should DNR issue a notice of final determination? A notice of final determination should be issued after the SEPA comment period for an initial determination of nonsignificance.

     (a) This notice should document whether the determination has been:

     (i) Retained;

     (ii) Modified;

     (iii) Delayed; or

     (iv) Withdrawn.

     (b) After an initial threshold determination is delayed, another notice of final determination should be issued to identify whether the proposal has been retained, modified or withdrawn.

     (c) Any notice of final determination should be sent to the original mailing list for the proposal and to any additional parties that commented on the proposal.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-310, filed 9/5/84. Formerly chapter 332-40 WAC.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-350   Mitigated determination of nonsignificance (DNS).   (1) ((An applicant)) How may a proponent request an early notice of a determination of significance (DS)? When DNR is the lead agency, a proponent may ask ((the department)) DNR whether issuance of a DS is likely for a proposal. ((This)) A non-DNR request for early notice must satisfy three requirements. The request:

     (a) ((Be written;)) Must be in writing;

     (b) Shall follow submission of a permit application, if applicable, and environmental checklist ((for a nonexempt proposal for which the department is lead agency)); and

     (c) ((Precede the department's actual)) Must be received by DNR before DNR issues an initial threshold determination for the proposal.

     (2) How should DNR respond to an early notice request? The responsible official or designee ((shall)) should respond to ((the)) a request for early notice within ten ((working)) business days of receipt ((of the letter;)). DNR should respond to a forest practices applicant as soon as possible because RCW 76.09.050 only allows ten days to conduct a threshold evaluation. If DNR is not the proposal's proponent, the response shall meet the following requirements:

     (a) ((Be written;)) The response must be in writing;

     (b) The response shall state whether ((the department)) DNR is considering issuance of a DS;

     (c) The response shall indicate the general or specific area(s) of concern that led ((the department)) DNR to consider a DS; and

     (d) The response shall state that the applicant may change or clarify the proposal to mitigate the impacts indicated in the letter, revising the environmental checklist as necessary to reflect the changes or clarifications.

     (3) ((The department)) How should early review requests and responses to DNR proposals be processed? If a project leader from within DNR requests early notice, it is advisable that both the request and the response be documented in writing for tracking purposes.


     (4) What is the review process for proposals pending a request for early notice? DNR
shall ((not)) continue ((with the threshold determination until receiving a written response from the applicant changing or clarifying the proposal or asking that the threshold determination be based on the original proposal.

     (4) If the applicant submits a changed or clarified proposal, along with a revised environmental checklist, the department will make its threshold determination based on the changed or clarified proposal)) to conduct SEPA review on the originally submitted proposal until a proposal's proponent requests, in writing, that the proposal be changed or clarified.

     (5) What should DNR review when changes or clarifications are added to a proposal? If a proponent submits changes or clarifications under this section, DNR shall review these changes or clarifications as part of the proposal.

     (a) If ((the department's)) DNR's response to the request for early notice indicated specific mitigation measures that would remove all probable significant adverse environmental impacts, and the ((applicant)) proponent changes or clarifies the proposal to include all of those specific mitigation measures, ((the department)) DNR shall issue a determination of nonsignificance and circulate the DNS for comments as in WAC 197-11-350(((2))).

     (b) If ((the department indicated)) DNR indicates general or specific areas of concern, but ((did)) does not indicate specific mitigation measures that would allow it to issue a DNS, ((the department)) DNR shall determine if the changed or clarified proposal may have a probable significant environmental impact, ((issuing)) and issue a DNS or DS, as appropriate.

     (((5) The department)) (6) May DNR propose mitigation to reduce impacts of the proposal? Even without a request for early notice, DNR may specify mitigation measures that would allow ((it)) DNR to issue a DNS ((without a request for early notice from an applicant)). If ((it does so, and the applicant)) a proponent changes or clarifies the proposal to include ((those)) DNR's proposed measures, ((the department)) DNR shall issue a DNS consistent with WAC 197-11-350 and circulate it for review ((under WAC 197-11-350(2))).

     (((6))) (7) How may a proponent change a proposal? When ((an applicant)) a proponent changes or clarifies the proposal, the ((clarifications or)) changes or clarifications may be ((included in written)) added as attachments to ((the)) previously submitted documents ((already submitted)). If the environmental checklist and supporting documents would be difficult to read and/or understand ((because of the need to read them)) in conjunction with the attachment(s), ((the department)) DNR may require the applicant to submit a new checklist.

     (((7) The department)) (8) May DNR change its own proposals? DNR may change or clarify features of its own proposals before making the threshold determination consistent with WAC 197-11-350.

     (((8) The department's written response under subsection (2) of this section)) (9) What is the effect of preliminary discussions? DNR's indication that a DS appears likely shall not be construed as a determination of significance. ((In addition,)) DNR's preliminary discussion of possible clarification ((of)) or changes ((to a proposal, as opposed to a written request for early notice,)) shall not bind ((the department to consider the clarification or changes in its threshold determination)) DNR in making a determination of nonsignificance.

     (((9) When an applicant submits a changed or clarified proposal pursuant to this section, it shall be considered part of the applicant's application for a permit or other approval for all purposes, including enforcement of the permit or other approval. Unless the department's decision expressly states otherwise, when a mitigated DNS is issued for a proposal, any decision approving the proposal shall be based on the proposal as changed or clarified pursuant to this section.)) (10) When should DNR issue a notice of final determination for a mitigated determination of nonsignificance? DNR should issue a notice of final determination after the SEPA comment period has ended. This notice should document whether the determination has been:

     (a) Retained;

     (b) Modified;

     (c) Delayed; or

     (d) Withdrawn.

     (i) If an initial threshold determination is delayed, DNR should issue another notice of final determination to identify whether the proposal has been retained, modified or withdrawn.

     (ii) DNR should send any notice of final determination to the original mailing list for the proposal and any additional parties that commented on the proposal.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-350, filed 9/5/84. Formerly chapter 332-40 WAC.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 332-41-421   EIS preparation under DNR direction.   DNR normally requires a proponent to prepare or help prepare draft, final, and supplemental EISs at the proponent's expense. An outside consultant may be used to complete an EIS only if DNR and the proponent mutually agree upon the consultant. Any proponent or consultant preparing an EIS shall do so under DNR's direction.

[]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-504   Availability, distribution, and costs of environmental documents.   (1) Where are SEPA documents retained? SEPA documents required by these rules shall be retained by ((the department)) DNR at the SEPA ((public information)) center, and made available in accordance with chapters 42.17 RCW and 197-11 WAC, Part V.

     (2) ((The department shall make copies of environmental documents available in accordance with chapter 42.17 RCW, charging only those costs allowed plus mailing costs. Allowable costs for environmental documents may be indicated in the documents and made payable to the department. However, no charge shall be levied for circulation of documents to other agencies as required by these rules. If requested, the department will normally waive the charge for an environmental document provided to a public interest organization.)) How does DNR distribute SEPA documents? When DNR is the lead agency, DNR personnel shall distribute SEPA documents as required by chapter 197-11 WAC unless another agency is nominal co-lead with DNR. The following are acceptable methods of distribution:

     (a) E-mail environmental documents including attached checklists and backup materials provided the recipient agency or interested party has made its e-mail address available to DNR;

     (b) Mail environmental documents, including attached checklists and backup materials, on CDs or as hardcopies to agency mailing lists that include either general lists or lists for specific proposals or subject areas.

     (3) May DNR charge for multiple copies? A requestor asking for additional hard copies of a SEPA document may be required to pay additional copying fees per WAC 197-11-504, 332-10-090 and 332-10-170, and RCW 42.17.300.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-504, filed 9/5/84. Formerly chapter 332-40 WAC.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 332-41-505   Notice of environmental documents.   (1) What documents will be submitted to the department of ecology? As required under WAC 197-11-508 for state agencies, DNR shall submit the following environmental documents to the department of ecology for publication in the SEPA register:

     (a) DNSs under WAC 197-11-340;

     (b) DSs (scoping notices) under WAC 197-11-408;

     (c) EISs under WAC 197-11-455, 197-11-460, and 197-11-620;

     (d) Adoption Notices to the extent required by WAC 197-11-610 and 197-11-630; and

     (e) Notices of action under RCW 43.21C.080 and 43.21C.087.

     (2) What is the timing to submit documents to the SEPA register? DNR shall submit the environmental documents listed in subsection (1) of this section promptly and in accordance with procedures established by the department of ecology. According to WAC 197-11-340, DNR shall send the document to the department of ecology on the date of issue of the threshold determination.

[]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-510   Public notice requirements.   (1) ((The department)) What are DNR's reasonable notice requirements? DNR shall ((give)) use reasonable methods to inform the public ((notice)) when ((issuing)) DNR issues a DNS under WAC 197-11-340(((2))), a mitigated DNS under WAC ((332-41-350)) 197-11-350, a scoping notice under WAC ((332-41-360)) 197-11-360, ((or)) a draft EIS under WAC 197-11-455, a draft supplemental EIS under WAC 197-11-620, a final EIS under WAC 197-11-460, or when DNR schedules a public hearing under WAC 197-11-502, 197-11-535, and 197-11-610. DNR shall use two or more of the following reasonable methods of public notice, taking into consideration the geographic area affected by the proposal, the size and complexity of the proposal, the public notice requirements associated with DNR's non-SEPA decision (underlying governmental decision), public interest expressed in the proposal, and whether the proposal is a project or regulation:

     (a) Notify persons or groups who have expressed interest in the proposal or in the type of proposal being considered, who have expressed interest in proposals located in the affected geographic area, and who DNR has identified as potentially interested parties;

     (b) Publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which the proposal will be implemented;

     (c) Post the property with appropriate signage;

     (d) Post notices and environmental documents on DNR's SEPA center web site.

     (2) What if there are existing notice procedures regarding DNR's governmental decisions? Whenever possible, ((the department)) DNR shall integrate the public notice required under this section (((WAC 197-11-340, 197-11-360, 197-11-455, 197-11-502, and 197-11-535))) with existing notice procedures for ((the department's)) DNR permits or approvals required for the proposal. DNR must comply with WAC 197-11-502 (Inviting comment), WAC 197-11-508 (SEPA register), and WAC 197-11-510 (Public notice).

     (3) ((The department shall use one or more of the following reasonable methods of public notice, taking into consideration the geographic area affected by the proposal, the size and complexity of the proposal, the public notice requirements for the permit or approval required from the department, public interest expressed in the proposal, and whether the proposal is a project or regulation:

     (a) Notifying persons or groups who have expressed interest in the proposal, that type of proposal, or proposals in the geographic area in which the proposal will be implemented if approved;

     (b) Publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which the proposal will be implemented; and/or

     (c) Posting the property.

     (4) The department may require an applicant to perform the public notice requirement at his or her expense.)) How are watershed analysis public notices issued? To receive forest practice approval, DNR allows thirty days to review and provide public input on proposed watershed prescriptions. DNR through its SEPA center must also give public notice and provide for public comments on a nonproject SEPA review of the proposed watershed analysis to assess environmental impacts as provided under RCW 43.21C.260. As directed in subsections (1) and (2) of this section for providing public notice, DNR uses two concurrent pathways to solicit public comment on watershed analysis. DNR requests public comments to be:

     (a) Sent to DNR on watershed analysis prescriptions consistent with forest practice rules under WAC 222-10-035 and 222-22-080; and

     (b) Sent to the SEPA center on environmental impacts consistent with SEPA.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-510, filed 9/5/84. Formerly chapter 332-40 WAC.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 607, filed 12/21/92, effective 1/21/93)

WAC 332-41-665   Policies and procedures for conditioning or denying permits or other approvals.   (1) ((Policies - specific. The department)) What are DNR's specific policies for conditioning or denying permits or approvals? DNR adopts the following SEPA policies:

     (a) Geothermal resources. ((The department)) DNR recognizes the need to protect the public from geothermal drilling effects such as the contamination of the ground water, the surface water, the possibility of a blowout, fire hazards, drilling fluids, and surface disturbance. ((The department)) DNR may, when necessary, condition the following ((actions)) aspects of a drilling operation to mitigate specific adverse environmental impacts:

     (i) Location of the well;

     (ii) Casing program;

     (iii) Makeup of drilling fluids.

     (b) Surface mining. To provide that the usefulness, productivity, and scenic values of all lands and waters involved in surface mining within the state will receive the greatest practical degree of protection and restoration, the following aspects of surface mining may be conditioned:

     (i) Proposed practices to protect adjacent surface resources, including but not limited to soil and water;

     (ii) Specifications for surface gradient restoration to a surface suitable for the proposed subsequent use of the land after reclamation is completed, and proposed method of accomplishment;

     (iii) Matter and type of revegetation or other surface treatment of disturbed areas;

     (iv) Method of prevention or elimination of conditions that will create a public nuisance, endanger public safety, damage property, or ((be hazardous to vegetative)) pose a hazard to plant, animal, fish, or human life in or adjacent to the area;

     (v) Method of control of contaminants and disposal of surface mining refuse;

     (vi) Method of diverting surface waters around the disturbed areas;

     (vii) Method of restoration of stream channels and stream banks to a condition minimizing erosion and siltation and other pollution.

     (c) Upland and aquatic right of way grants. Recognizing that construction and/or reconstruction under upland and aquatic right of way grants can create adverse impacts to the elements of the environment, it is the policy of ((the department)) DNR to condition grants where necessary and where allowed by state and federal law:

     (i) To protect all surface resources including but not limited to soil and water, through authorized right of way operations on public lands, and to cause on a continuing basis the rehabilitation or reestablishment ((on a continuing basis)) of the vegetative cover, soil stability and water condition appropriate to intended subsequent use of the area;

     (ii) To meet air quality standards; ((and))

     (iii) To protect recreational and special use areas under lease ((by requiring mitigating action)); and

     (iv) To meet obligations under DNR's habitat conservation plans, any amendments to DNR's habitat conservation plans, or the Policy for Sustainable Forests adopted in 2006, and any future updates to the policy.

     (d) ((Marine)) State-owned aquatic lands. In managing state-owned aquatic lands, ((the department)) DNR shall consider the natural values of state-owned aquatic land such as wildlife habitat, natural area preserves, representative ecosystems, or spawning area prior to issuing any initial lease or authorizing any change in use. ((The department may withhold))

     (i) DNR may refrain from leasing lands ((which)) that it finds to have significant natural values, as described in this subsection, or may provide within any lease for the protection of such values.

     (ii) DNR may condition its proposals to meet its obligations under any future aquatic habitat conservation plan, or any amendments to DNR's aquatic habitat conservation plans.

     (e) Public lands leases and contracts. Under authority granted by chapters ((76.12, 79.01, 79.08, 79.12, 79.14, and 79.28 RCW, the department has authority to set terms and conditions in granting a lease or contract as long as such terms and conditions are not inconsistent)) 79.02, 79.13, 79.14, 79.15, 79.22 and 79.105 RCW, DNR may set any lease or contract terms and conditions that are consistent with state law. For public lands, ((the department)) DNR may condition or withhold a lease or contract where significant adverse environmental impacts associated with a lease proposal or contract proposal will occur. DNR may condition its proposals to meet its obligations under any current or future habitat conservation plan, or any amendments to DNR's habitat conservation plans, or the Policy for Sustainable Forests adopted in 2006, and any future updates to the policy.

     (f) Timber sales. Department policies for the sale of timber from public lands are found ((in the Forest Resource Plan, adopted July 1992)) under DNR's habitat conservation plans, any amendments to DNR's habitat conservation plans, or in the Policy for Sustainable Forests adopted in 2006 and any future updates to the policy.

     (g) Forest practices. ((A Class IV-Special forest practice approval will be conditioned when necessary to mitigate specific adverse impacts which are identified in the environmental documents prepared under SEPA. An application for a Class IV-Special forest practice will be denied when the proposal would result in significant adverse impacts identified in a final or supplemental environmental impact statement prepared under SEPA, and reasonable mitigation measures are insufficient to mitigate the identified impacts and denial is consistent with chapters 43.21C and 76.09 RCW and chapter 197-11 WAC.

     (h) Fire control.

     (i) Burning permits. The department may condition or deny the issuance of a burning permit for the protection of life, property, or air quality standards.

     (ii) Dumping permits. The department may condition or deny the issuance of a dumping permit for the protection of forest lands from fire.)) SEPA policies related to the review of environmental impacts, conditioning, and disapproval of forest practices are adopted by the forest practices board and are contained in chapter 222-10 WAC. WAC 222-10-010 adopts by reference policies of SEPA as set forth in RCW 43.21C.020. WAC 222-10-050 adopts by reference the SEPA Rules adopted by the state of Washington department of ecology, chapter 197-11 WAC, except those rules that may not be applicable.

     (2) ((Policies - general.)) What are DNR's general policies for conditioning or denying permits or approvals? The policies set out in subsection (1) of this section do not anticipate all situations which may result in placing conditions on a permit or denial of a proposal((,)) following environmental review. ((The department)) DNR therefore adopts the policies set forth in the State Environmental Policy Act, RCW 43.21C.020, as further basis for conditioning or denying a public or private proposal under SEPA. Those policies are to:

     (a) Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations;

     (b) Assure for all people of Washington safe, healthful, productive, and esthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings;

     (c) Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences;

     (d) Preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage;

     (e) Maintain, wherever possible, an environment which supports diversity and variety of individual choice;

     (f) Achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life's amenities; and

     (g) Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources.

     (3) ((Decisions to condition or deny.

     (a) When the environmental document for a proposal shows it will cause adverse impacts that the proponent does not plan to mitigate the decision maker shall consider whether:

     (i) The environmental document identifies mitigation measures that are reasonable and capable of being accomplished;

     (ii) Other local, state, or federal requirements and enforcement would mitigate the significant adverse environmental impacts; and

     (iii) Reasonable mitigation measures are sufficient to mitigate the adverse impacts.

     (b) The decision maker may:

     (i) Condition the approval for a proposal if mitigation measures are reasonable and capable of being accomplished and the proposal, without such mitigation measures, is inconsistent with the policies in subsections (1) and (2) of this section;

     (ii) Deny the permit or approval for a proposal if reasonable mitigation measures are insufficient to mitigate significant adverse environmental impacts and the proposal is inconsistent with the policies in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

     (iii) The procedures in WAC 197-11-660 must be followed when conditioning or denying permits or other approvals.)) What procedures must DNR follow to condition or deny a proposal? DNR must follow the procedures in RCW 43.21C.060 and WAC 197-11-660 when conditioning or denying permits or other approvals under SEPA. Conditioning must be in writing and may be added only to mitigate specific adverse environmental impacts that are identified in the environmental document. To deny a proposal under SEPA, DNR must find that the proposal will result in significant adverse impacts as identified in a final EIS or final supplemental EIS, and that reasonable mitigation measures are insufficient to mitigate any identified impact.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21C.120 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 93-01-126 (Order 607), § 332-41-665, filed 12/21/92, effective 1/21/93. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-665, filed 9/5/84. Formerly chapter 332-40 WAC.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-833   Timber sales categories.   (1) What is DNR's authority to determine which timber sale decisions are exempt from SEPA review? Under ((the provisions of)) WAC 197-11-830(((7) the department)) DNR may determine which decisions to sell timber from public lands do not have potential for significant impact on the environment. Such decisions are categorically exempt from the threshold determination and EIS requirements of SEPA under WAC 197-11-830(((7))). This determination applies only to DNR's decision to sell timber harvested from public lands not requiring approval from the board of natural resources.

     (2) ((The department determines that such decisions to sell timber from public lands do not have potential for a significant impact on the environment if they are sales appraised by the department at an amount not exceeding the amount specified in RCW 79.01.200 as the upper limit for sale under terms and conditions prescribed by the department, and if such sales, other than thinning or salvage sales, do not involve harvest units larger than twenty acres.)) What is the threshold for determining that timber sale decisions are exempt from SEPA?

     (a) The following DNR timber sale decisions do not have a potential for significant impact on the environment and are categorically exempt from SEPA:

     (i) Timber sales containing harvest units of less than twenty acres that DNR appraises to be less than the amount specified in RCW 79.11.130; and

     (ii) Thinning or salvage timber sales of any unit size that DNR appraises to be less than the amount specified in RCW 79.11.130.

     (b) These sales are small sales not requiring approval by the board of natural resources and have low volume and low acreage. ((The department)) DNR has not extended this determination to sales requiring approval by the board of natural resources because of the public values associated with public lands. However, this determination is not intended to alter ((the department's)) DNR's SEPA compliance responsibility for regulatory decisions concerning forest practice applications for state and private lands under RCW 76.09.050 and WAC 222-16-050.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-833, filed 9/5/84. Formerly chapter 332-40 WAC.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 432, filed 9/5/84)

WAC 332-41-910   Designation of responsible official.   ((The responsible official for a specific proposal shall be a division manager or designated area manager or assistant area manager. The responsible official for the harbor line commission shall be the manager of the marine land management division.

     (1) Each division manager or designee shall review the environmental checklists under the division's authority and determine if the department is the lead agency. When the department is not the lead agency, the environmental checklists shall be forwarded to the environmental coordinator for processing under procedures set forth in WAC 197-11-924.)) (1) Who may serve as DNR's SEPA responsible official? Since the responsible official shall carry out duties and functions for the purpose of assuring DNR's compliance with SEPA and the SEPA rules, it is important that DNR clearly designates who will be the responsible official for a proposal.

     (a) DNR's responsible official will be as follows:

     (i) Division manager;

     (ii) Designated region manager; or

     (iii) Designated assistant region manager.

     (b) The responsible official for the harbor line commission shall be the division manager of the aquatic resources division.

     (c) When the region manager or assistant region manager is involved with the proposal, or during emergencies, i.e., fire season, it may be necessary to assign the responsible official duties for a proposal to a region manager in another region. The division manager may also assume responsible official duties for the proposal.

     (d) When potentially significant conflicting DNR interests exist involving DNR proposals that converge at the division manager or region manager level, or the proposal involves more than one region, a superior management-level official may act as the responsible official. See subsection (4) of this section for recommended qualifications.

     (2) What are the responsible official's duties? When ((the department)) DNR is the lead agency, the responsible ((division manager or designee will)) official shall review the environmental checklist((s)) and make the threshold determination((s under the provisions of)) in compliance with this chapter, chapters 43.21C RCW and 197-11 WAC, and specifically, WAC 197-11-330.

     (3) What other procedural requirements must be followed? The ((division manager or designee)) responsible official shall carry out further SEPA compliance under WAC 197-11-340, 197-11-350, or 197-11-360, as appropriate. This includes notice and circulation requirements for threshold determinations.

     (4) What are the general qualifications of a DNR responsible official? The responsible official shall not be the applicant, project leader, or the decision maker for the proposal. The official shall have general technical expertise sufficient to assess the impacts of the proposal.

     (5) What if a determination of significance is issued? When an environmental impact statement is required based on the threshold determination, scoping and EIS preparation under chapter 197-11 WAC shall ((begin)) occur under direction of the responsible official.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21C RCW and RCW 43.30.150. 84-18-052 (Order 432), § 332-41-910, filed 9/5/84. Formerly chapter 332-40 WAC.]


REPEALER

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
WAC 332-41-420 EIS preparation.
WAC 332-41-508 Notice of environmental documents.
WAC 332-41-920 Agencies with environmental expertise.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office