02-10-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

process uses a standardized list of questions in wotkdieet format to disclose the necessary infonnation to screen the project for significant environmental effects. The EAW is always subject to a 30day public review period before a decision is made by the RGU about whether the impacts wanant an EIS. Usually, about 150 EAWs are required each year. What Projects Require EISs or EAWs? Requirements for mandatory prqjaraiion of an EIS or EAW on certain types and sizes of projects are set forth in the EQB’s rules. These requirements are rqHinted in the final chapter of this guide. An EIS is also necessary when ordered as a result of an EAW review on a projecL An EAW can also be initialed at the discretion of a unit of government and requested by a group of at least 25 citizens, as described in the chapter on discretionaiy EAWs and petitions. Limitations on the Applicability of the Environmental Review I^ogram Environmental review (Le., preparation of an EAW or EIS) can apply to any action or activity that meets three 1. 77re action or activity must take place in the future • i.e., actions or activities which have already taken place are not subject to this program. 2. The action or activity must involve the physical manipulation of the environment, (Srectiy or indirectly; actions and activities which do so are termed "project^' under this program (as defined at 4410ff200, subp.6S). 3. The action or activity must involve at least one governmental approval or one form of governmental financial assistan'* or be a project conducted by a unit of government; such actions and activities are termed "gover-mental action^' under this program (as d^ined at part 44100200. subp. 33). The d^inition of "permit" cu 44100200, subp. 58 lists examples of the various types of approvals and financial assistance w.if/j qual^ a project for inclusion under this program. Approvals or assistance by, and projects of, federal agencies are included under this /urogram. • Further details on the limitations of the applicability of this program to certain actions arc set fonh in the rules at part 4410.46CD, subp. 2, the “standard exemptions;” these are also presented in the final chapter of this guide. Once review has been completed on a project, no further review is necessary on that ptojea unless the circunsiances ^ified at citha part 4410.1000. subp. 5 or 44103000 occur in the future. Unless the ^Jc dfied drcumstaixes occur, the project is exempt fiom further review even if implemeni^ion of the project is delayed for many years. The Effect of Environmental Review Requirements on the Approval and Construction of a Project Whenever environmental review is required, whetha because of a mandatory EAW or EIS requirement or because of a discretionary decision by a unit of government that review is needed, or whenever a valid citizens* petition is filed with the EQB, a moratorium is automatically placed on approval of the project and • HIM 3 j