Laserfiche WebLink
The EAW Process <br />This chapter provides an overview of the complete EAW process. It is rxx intended as a for foe <br />EQB rules tfiemselves, and should not be used as such. <br />Tlie EAW is defined by state statute to be a “brief document which is designed to set out the base faas <br />necessary to determine whether an EIS is required for a proposed actioa” The purpose of the EAW process <br />is to disclose information about potential environmental impacts of the project The EAW process is no/ an <br />approval process. The infonnation disclosed in the EAW process has two functions: (1) it is used to detennine <br />whethCT an EIS is needed; and (2) it indicates how the ptojea can be modified to lessen its environmental <br />impacts — such modifications may be imposed as pemut conditions by regulatOQr The infonnation <br />disclosed comes from three sources: (1) the EAW itself; (2) comments received on the EAW; and 0) <br />responses made to comments received on the EAW. However, the EAW itself is generally the most <br />impotant source of infcKmation. <br />The EAW process involves four tn^jor steps: <br />Step 1 - The proposer of the project supplies data necessary for the completion of the EAW to tl» <br />Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU). <br />Step 2- The RGU prepares the EAW. <br />Step 3- 30-day public comment perkxL <br />Step 4 - The RGU leqxxxls to the comments received and makes a decision on the need for an EIS <br />based on the EAW, comments received, and the reqxxises to the comments. The RGU and <br />othCT units of government mry require modifications to the projea to mitigate environmental <br />impacts as disclosed through the EAW process.