(1) Preparation of draft and final EISs and SEISs is the responsibility of the assistant to the director in charge of environmental affairs or their designee. The responsible official shall be satisfied that all EISs and SEISs issued by the department are in compliance with these rules and chapter 197-11 WAC.

(2) Any draft or final EIS or SEIS shall be prepared by the department, the applicant, or by a consultant mutually agreed upon by the department and applicant.

(3) Whenever someone other than the department prepares a draft or final EIS or SEIS, the responsible official shall:

(a) Coordinate scoping to ensure that the individual preparing the document receives all substantive information submitted by any agency or person.

(b) Direct the areas of research and study to be undertaken and the content and organization of the document.

(c) Assist in obtaining information on file with another agency that is needed by the person preparing the document.

(d) Allow the person preparing the document access to department records relating to the document, as prescribed in chapter 16-06 WAC, Public records.

(4) Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the department from charging any fee of an applicant that the department is otherwise authorized to charge (see WAC 197-11-914). A performance bond in amount specified by the department may be required of the applicant to ensure payment of department expenses in preparing, in whole or in part, a draft or final EIS or SEIS.