SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5710

BYSenators Owen, Cantu, DeJarnatt, Amondson, Craswell and Bauer

Requiring that threshold determination must be completed within fifteen to thirty days.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 16, 1989; February 23, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  February 23, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

A threshold determination is required for any action which is not categorically exempt under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) rules.  During the threshold determination process, the responsible official reviews the proposed project, environmental checklist, and any other available information, and determines whether the project will have any probable significant adverse environmental impacts.

SEPA rules outline specific items which must be considered when making the threshold determination (WAC 197-11-330).  If significant adverse environmental impacts are probable, an environmental impact statement is required and a determination of significance is issued.  If there will be no significant impacts, or the impacts can be mitigated, a determination of nonsignificance is issued.  The threshold determination is recommended by agency rule to be completed within 15 days.

SUMMARY:

Threshold determinations shall be completed within 15 days if possible.  If an agency decision has not been made within 30 days, the threshold determination is automatically approved. 

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Dorothy Roberts, Plateau Preservation Society (con); Bob Haskell, Washington Association of Realtors (pro); Nick Adams, Washington Association of Realtors (pro); Elizabeth Tabbutt, Washington Environmental Council (con)