|
The STATE ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY ACT (SEPA) provides a medium for citizens of the
state to protect their environment. The law (Chapter
43.21C RCW) requires state and local governments within the state
to:
- "UTILIZE a systematic,
interdisciplinary approach which will insure the integrated use of the
natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts in planning
and in decision making which may have an impact on man's environment;"
and
- ENSURE "...environmental
amenities and values will be given appropriate consideration in decision
making along with economic and technical considerations..."
- PROVIDE a forum
for the public and other government agencies to comment on the proposal
so that changes may be made during the planning phase before construction
begins, to reduce impacts. When significant impacts have been identified
a full review of all affected elements of our environment must be completed.
This is called an Environmental Impact Statement.
Any governmental action may be
conditioned or denied pursuant to SEPA. Since the Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) issues permits, i.e., Hydraulic Project
Approvals, Grass Carp Applications, and Shooting Preserve Permits, we
may be the Lead Agency in reviewing an applicant's project or action
before issuing our permit. This status is determined by rule in WAC
197-11-922 through WAC 197-11-946. All agencies must send their
own SEPA required actions out for review. |
SEPA Rules
