(1) The terms used in these rules shall be uniform throughout the state as applied to SEPA (WAC 197-11-040). Agencies may add to certain of these definitions in their procedures, to help explain how they carry out SEPA, but shall not change these definitions (WAC 197-11-906).

(2) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) Use of the singular shall include the plural and conversely.

(b) "Preparation" of environmental documents refers to preparing or supervising the preparation of documents, including issuing, filing, printing, circulating, and related requirements.

(c) "Impact" refers to environmental impact.

(d) "Permit" means "license" (WAC 197-11-760).

(e) "Commenting" includes but is not synonymous with "consultation" (Part Five).

(f) "Environmental cost" refers to adverse environmental impact and may or may not be quantified.

(g) "EIS" refers to draft, final, and supplemental EISs (WAC 197-11-405 and 197-11-738).

(h) "Under" includes pursuant to, subject to, required by, established by, in accordance with, and similar expressions of legislative or administrative authorization or direction.

(3) In these rules:

(a) "Shall" is mandatory.

(b) "May" is optional and permissive and does not impose a requirement.

(c) "Include" means "include but not limited to."

(4) The following terms are synonymous:

(a) Effect and impact (WAC 197-11-752).

(b) Environment and environmental quality (WAC 197-11-740).

(c) Major and significant (WAC 197-11-764 and 197-11-794).

(d) Proposal and proposed action (WAC 197-11-784).

(e) Probable and likely (WAC 197-11-782).