Chapter 18.06
USE OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS

Sections:

18.06.010    Purpose – Adoption by reference.

18.06.020    Methods for utilizing existing documents.

18.06.030    Using NEPA documents.

18.06.010 Purpose – Adoption by reference.

This chapter contains the rules for using and supplementing existing environmental documents prepared under SEPA or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Town’s own environmental compliance. The Town adopts the following sections by reference, as supplemented in this chapter:

WAC

197-11-600    When to use existing environmental documents.

197-11-610    Use of NEPA documents.

197-11-620    Supplemental environmental impact statement – Procedures.

197-11-625    Addenda – Procedures.

197-11-630    Adoption – Procedures.

197-11-635    Incorporation by reference – Procedures.

197-11-640    Combining documents.

[UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

18.06.020 Methods for utilizing existing documents.

Whenever possible, the Town shall reduce paperwork and the accumulation of background data by using existing environmental documents. The responsible official shall determine when the use of existing documents is appropriate, and may employ one (1) or more of the following methods:

A. Preparation of a supplemental EIS under WAC 197-11-620, if there are substantial changes in a proposal or new information on a proposal’s environmental impacts;

B. Preparation of an addendum that adds to, but does not substantially change, analyses or information in the existing environmental document, in accordance with WAC 197-11-625;

C. Adoption by notice of part or all of an existing environmental document to meet SEPA responsibilities under WAC 197-11-630; and

D. Incorporation by reference of existing studies or material into environmental documents being prepared, as prescribed by WAC 197-11-635. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

18.06.030 Using NEPA documents.

The Town may use any environmental analysis prepared under NEPA to satisfy requirements of SEPA, subject to the limitations of WAC 197-11-610. In particular, either a NEPA environmental assessment or a NEPA EIS may be adopted as a substitute for preparing a SEPA EIS. A NEPA assessment may also be used in support of a SEPA determination of nonsignificance. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].