(1) Whenever the department determines that a DNS issued by another lead agency is inappropriate and that the proposal in question could cause significant harm to the resources under the department's jurisdiction, the department will assume lead agency status per WAC 197-11-948.

(2) Within ten days of assuming lead agency status, the department will notify the proponent of the proposal in writing as to the reasons for its assumption of lead agency status.

(3) Prior to preparation of an EIS for the proposal, the department will consult with the proponent and give the proponent an opportunity to modify or change the proposal in such a way that an EIS may not be necessary as outlined in WAC 197-11-360(4).